Multiple layer filamentary devices for treatment of vascular defects

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods for treatment of a patient&#39;s vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell and inner structure configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent applicationSer. No. 12/939,901, filed Nov. 4, 2010, by P. Marchand et al., titled“Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”,assigned attorney docket number SMI-0105-UT, which claims priority under35 U.S.C. section 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No.61/258,541, filed Nov. 5, 2009, by P. Marchand et al., titled “MultipleLayer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects” assignedattorney docket number SMI-0105-PV, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/294,760, filed Jan. 13, 2010, by P. Marchand et al., titled “MultipleLayer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”, assignedattorney docket number SMI-0105-PV2, and U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/334,130, filed May 12, 2010, by P. Marchand et al., titled“Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”,assigned attorney docket number SMI-0105-PV3, each of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application isalso related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/602,997, filed Jun.3, 2008, by B. Cox et al., titled “Methods and Devices for Treatment ofVascular Defects”, and assigned attorney docket number SMI-0103-US, andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/434,465, filed May 1, 2009, by P.Marchand et al., titled “Filamentary Devices for Treatment of VascularDefects”, and assigned attorney docket number SMI-0104-UT, each of whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of devices and methods herein are directed to blocking aflow of fluid through a tubular vessel or into a small interior chamberof a saccular cavity or vascular defect within a mammalian body. Morespecifically, embodiments herein are directed to devices and methods fortreatment of a vascular defect of a patient including some embodimentsdirected specifically to the treatment of cerebral aneurysms ofpatients.

BACKGROUND

The mammalian circulatory system is comprised of a heart, which acts asa pump, and a system of blood vessels which transport the blood tovarious points in the body. Due to the force exerted by the flowingblood on the blood vessel the blood vessels may develop a variety ofvascular defects. One common vascular defect known as an aneurysmresults from the abnormal widening of the blood vessel. Typically,vascular aneurysms are formed as a result of the weakening of the wallof a blood vessel and subsequent ballooning and expansion of the vesselwall. If, for example, an aneurysm is present within an artery of thebrain, and the aneurysm should burst with resulting cranialhemorrhaging, death could occur.

Surgical techniques for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms typicallyinvolve a craniotomy requiring creation of an opening in the skull ofthe patient through which the surgeon can insert instruments to operatedirectly on the patient's brain. For some surgical approaches, the brainmust be retracted to expose the parent blood vessel from which theaneurysm arises. Once access to the aneurysm is gained, the surgeonplaces a clip across the neck of the aneurysm thereby preventingarterial blood from entering the aneurysm. Upon correct placement of theclip the aneurysm will be obliterated in a matter of minutes. Surgicaltechniques may be effective treatment for many aneurysms. Unfortunately,surgical techniques for treating these types of conditions include majorinvasive surgical procedures which often require extended periods oftime under anesthesia involving high risk to the patient. Suchprocedures thus require that the patient be in generally good physicalcondition in order to be a candidate for such procedures.

Various alternative and less invasive procedures have been used to treatcerebral aneurysms without resorting to major surgery. Some suchprocedures involve the delivery of embolic or filling materials into ananeurysm. The delivery of such vaso-occlusion devices or materials maybe used to promote hemostasis or fill an aneurysm cavity entirely.Vaso-occlusion devices may be placed within the vasculature of the humanbody, typically via a catheter, either to block the flow of bloodthrough a vessel with an aneurysm through the formation of an embolus orto form such an embolus within an aneurysm stemming from the vessel. Avariety of implantable, coil-type vaso-occlusion devices are known. Thecoils of such devices may themselves be formed into a secondary coilshape, or any of a variety of more complex secondary shapes.Vaso-occlusive coils are commonly used to treat cerebral aneurysms butsuffer from several limitations including poor packing density,compaction due to hydrodynamic pressure from blood flow, poor stabilityin wide-necked aneurysms and complexity and difficulty in the deploymentthereof as most aneurysm treatments with this approach require thedeployment of multiple coils.

Another approach to treating aneurysms without the need for invasivesurgery involves the placement of sleeves or stents into the vessel andacross the region where the aneurysm occurs. Such devices maintain bloodflow through the vessel while reducing blood pressure applied to theinterior of the aneurysm. Certain types of stents are expanded to theproper size by inflating a balloon catheter, referred to as balloonexpandable stents, while other stents are designed to elastically expandin a self-expanding manner. Some stents are covered typically with asleeve of polymeric material called a graft to form a stent-graft.Stents and stent-grafts are generally delivered to a preselectedposition adjacent a vascular defect through a delivery catheter. In thetreatment of cerebral aneurysms, covered stents or stent-grafts haveseen very limited use due to the likelihood of inadvertent occlusion ofsmall perforator vessels that may be near the vascular defect beingtreated.

In addition, current uncovered stents are generally not sufficient as astand-alone treatment. In order for stents to fit through themicrocatheters used in small cerebral blood vessels, their density isusually reduced such that when expanded there is only a small amount ofstent structure bridging the aneurysm neck. Thus, they do not blockenough flow to cause clotting of the blood in the aneurysm and are thusgenerally used in combination with vaso-occlusive devices, such as thecoils discussed above, to achieve aneurysm occlusion.

A number of aneurysm neck bridging devices with defect spanning portionsor regions have been attempted; however, none of these devices have hada significant measure of clinical success or usage. A major limitationin their adoption and clinical usefulness is the inability to positionthe defect spanning portion to assure coverage of the neck. Existingstent delivery systems that are neurovascular compatible (i.e.deliverable through a microcatheter and highly flexible) do not have thenecessary rotational positioning capability. Another limitation of manyaneurysm bridging devices described in the prior art is the poorflexibility. Cerebral blood vessels are tortuous and a high degree offlexibility is required for effective delivery to most aneurysmlocations in the brain.

What has been needed are devices and methods for delivery and use insmall and tortuous blood vessels that can substantially block the flowof blood into an aneurysm, such as a cerebral aneurysm. In addition,what has been needed are methods and devices suitable for blocking bloodflow in cerebral aneurysms over an extended period of time without asignificant risk of deformation, compaction or dislocation.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculatureinclude a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a proximalend, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The permeable shell alsoincludes a plurality of elongate resilient filaments with a wovenstructure secured relative to each other at proximal ends and distalends thereof. The permeable shell has a radially constrained elongatedstate configured for delivery within a microcatheter with the thin wovenfilaments extending longitudinally from the proximal end to the distalend radially adjacent each other along a length of the filaments. Thepermeable shell also has an expanded relaxed state with a longitudinallyshortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state withthe woven filaments forming the self-expanding resilient permeable shellin a smooth path radially expanded from the longitudinal axis betweenthe proximal end and distal end including a plurality of openings in theshell formed between the woven filaments, the largest of said openingsbeing configured to allow blood flow through the openings at a velocitybelow a thrombotic threshold velocity. Thus, blood flow within thepermeable shell may be substantially slowed to below the thrombogenicthreshold velocity. For some embodiments, the permeable shell may have aglobular shape in the expanded relaxed state. In some embodiments, theshell may have a generally cylindrical shape with either substantiallyflat or rounded ends. Some of these embodiments may also include aninner structure of filamentary members disposed within the resilientpermeable shell. Unless otherwise stated, one or more of the features,dimensions, or materials of the various embodiments may be used in othersimilar embodiments discussed herein.

Some embodiments of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculatureinclude a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a proximalend, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The permeable shell may alsoinclude a plurality of elongate resilient filaments including largefilaments and small filaments of at least two different transversedimensions with a woven structure secured relative to each other atproximal ends and distal ends thereof. The permeable shell may alsoinclude a radially constrained elongated state configured for deliverywithin a microcatheter with the thin woven filaments extendinglongitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end radially adjacenteach other along a length of the filaments. The permeable shell also hasan expanded relaxed state with a globular and longitudinally shortenedconfiguration relative to the radially constrained state with the wovenfilaments forming the self-expanding resilient permeable shell in asmooth path radially expanded from the longitudinal axis between theproximal end and distal end including a plurality of openings in theshell formed between the woven filaments. Some of these embodiments mayalso include an inner structure of filamentary members disposed withinthe resilient permeable shell.

Some embodiments of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculatureinclude a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a proximalend, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The permeable shell alsoincludes a plurality of elongate resilient filaments including largefilaments and small filaments of different transverse diameters with awoven structure secured relative to each other at proximal ends anddistal ends thereof. The permeable shell may also include a radiallyconstrained elongated state configured for delivery within amicrocatheter with the woven filaments extending longitudinally from theproximal end to the distal end radially adjacent each other along alength of the filaments. The permeable shell also has an expandedrelaxed state with a globular and longitudinally shortened configurationrelative to the radially constrained state with a major transversediameter, the woven filaments forming the self-expanding resilientpermeable shell in a smooth path radially expanded from the longitudinalaxis between the proximal end and distal end, and including a pluralityof openings in the shell formed between the woven filaments. Some ofthese embodiments may also include an inner structure of filamentarymembers disposed within the resilient permeable shell. In addition, thepermeable shell may have properties such that the diameter of thepermeable shell in an expanded state, number and diameter of largefilaments and number and diameter of small filaments are configured suchthat the permeable shell in an expanded state has a radial stiffness ofabout 0.014 pounds force (lbf) to about 0.284 lbf defined by theexpression (1.2×10⁶ lbf/D⁴)(N₁d₁ ⁴+N_(s)d_(s) ⁴) where D is a diameterof the permeable shell in the expanded state in inches, N₁ is the numberof large filaments in the permeable shell, N_(s) is the number of smallfilaments in the permeable shell, d₁ is the diameter of the largefilaments in inches, and d_(s) is the diameter of the small filaments ininches. The equation above contemplates two wire sizes; however, theequation is also applicable to embodiments having one wire size in whichcase d₁ will be equal to d_(s). Generally with respect to wire andfilament sizes regarding transverse dimension or diameter, it may not benecessary in some cases for all wires or filaments to meet theparameters for the various relationships discussed herein. This may beparticularly true where relatively large numbers of filaments are beingused. In some cases, a filamentary structure may meet the relationshipconstraints discussed herein where the predominance of filaments of apermeable shell or inner structure meet a size constraint.

Some embodiments of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculatureinclude a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a proximalend, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The permeable shell also hasa plurality of elongate resilient filaments including large filamentsand small filaments of different transverse diameters with a wovenstructure secured relative to each other at proximal ends and distalends thereof. The permeable shell may also include a radiallyconstrained elongated state configured for delivery within amicrocatheter with the thin woven filaments extending longitudinallyfrom the proximal end to the distal end radially adjacent each otheralong a length of the filaments. The permeable shell has an expandedrelaxed state with a globular and longitudinally shortened configurationrelative to the radially constrained state with a major transversediameter, the woven filaments forming the self-expanding resilientpermeable shell in a smooth path radially expanded from the longitudinalaxis between the proximal end and distal end, and including a pluralityof openings in the shell formed between the woven filaments. Some ofthese embodiments may also include an inner structure of filamentarymembers disposed within the resilient permeable shell. The permeableshell may also be configured such that at least the distal end has areverse bend in an everted recessed configuration such that the secureddistal ends of the filaments are withdrawn axially within the nominalpermeable shell structure in the expanded state. The permeable shell mayfurther have properties such that the diameter of the permeable shell inan expanded state, number of all filaments and diameter of the smallfilaments are configured such that the maximum opening size of a portionof the permeable shell in an expanded state that spans a vascular defectopening or vascular defect neck is less than about 0.016 inches with themaximum pore or opening size defined by the expression(1.7/NT)(πD−N_(T)/2d_(w)) where D is a diameter of the permeable shellin the expanded state in inches, NT is the total number of filaments inthe permeable shell, and d_(w) is the diameter of the small filaments ininches. The pore size for an opening is defined herein by the largestcircular shape that may be disposed within the opening of a braidedfilament structure.

Some embodiments of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculatureinclude a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a proximalend, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The permeable shell furtherincludes a plurality of elongate resilient filaments including largefilaments and small filaments of different transverse diameters with awoven structure secured relative to each other at proximal ends anddistal ends thereof. The permeable shell may also have a radiallyconstrained elongated state configured for delivery within amicrocatheter with the woven filaments extending longitudinally from theproximal end to the distal end radially adjacent each other along alength of the filaments. The permeable shell also includes an expandedrelaxed state with a globular and longitudinally shortened configurationrelative to the radially constrained state with a major transversediameter, the woven filaments forming the self-expanding resilientpermeable shell in a smooth path radially expanded from the longitudinalaxis between the proximal end and distal end, and including a pluralityof openings in the shell formed between the woven filaments. Some ofthese embodiments may also include an inner structure of filamentarymembers disposed within the resilient permeable shell. The permeableshell may also be configured such that at least the distal end has areverse bend in an everted recessed configuration such that the secureddistal ends of the filaments are withdrawn axially within the nominalpermeable shell structure in the expanded state.

In some embodiments, a distal end of the inner structure may terminatewith a connection or hub at the proximal end of the structure. With aninternal termination of the inner structure, the potential problem oflength matching and buckling may be minimized due to the ability of theinner layer to collapse without affecting, or minimally affecting, theouter layer. In some embodiments, the collapsed length of the innerstructure may be less than about 80% of the collapsed length of theouter structure. In some embodiments, the collapsed length of the innerstructure may be about 40% to about 90% of the collapsed length of theouter permeable shell.

In some embodiments, the outer structure or shell may have a truncatedsphere or generally heart-like cross-sectional shape. The proximalportion may be generally convex, hemispherical or semi-circular in crosssection. These features allow the device to be placed into a saccularvascular site such as a cerebral aneurysm at an angled orientationrelative to an axis of the aneurysm. The semi-circular or hemisphericalproximal surface presents a relatively constant shape to the parentvessel irrespective of the angulation of the aneurysm axis.

In some embodiments, the inner structure may be formed such that atleast about 80% of the volume of the inner structure is contained withinthe lower or more proximal half of the outer structure or shell volume.For some embodiments, the mesh density of the inner structure may behigher than a density of the mesh structure of the outer shell orstructure. For some embodiments, the average wire diameter of the innerstructure is less than about 75% of the average wire diameter of theouter structure. In some embodiments, the weighted average diameter bynumber of wires of a structure may be important. The weighted averagemay be defined by the equation: N×D=A_(w). In this equation, N is thenumber of wires, D is the wire diameter and A_(w), is the weightedaverage diameter. Thus, a structure mesh formed of 36 wires with adiameter of 0.00125 inches and 108 wires with a diameter of 0.00075inches would have a weighted average (A_(w)) of 0.126 inches. For someembodiments, the weighted average diameter of the inner structure may beless than about 75% of the weighted average diameter of the outerstructure or permeable shell.

In some embodiments a device for treatment of a patient's vasculatureincludes a self-expanding resilient permeable structure having aproximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The permeablestructure has a radially constrained elongated state configured fordelivery within a microcatheter. In an expanded relaxed state thepermeable structure has a globular and longitudinally shortenedconfiguration relative to the radially constrained state and extendsalong the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and distal ends.The permeable structure further includes a plurality of elongateresilient filaments secured relative to each other at either or both theproximal ends and distal ends of the structure. The filaments form aresilient permeable shell having proximal and distal ends and defining acavity and at least one inner structure disposable within the cavity ofthe shell. The resilient filaments forming the shell and the at leastone inner structure are contiguous with one another.

In some embodiments the filaments are woven and the filaments formingthe self-expanding resilient permeable shell extend in a smooth pathradially expanded from the longitudinal axis between the proximal endand distal end. The filaments form a plurality of openings between thewoven filaments with the largest of said openings being configured toallow blood flow through the openings at a velocity below a thromboticthreshold velocity. In some embodiments, the inner structure, in anexpanded state, may form a concave or convex outer surface relative tothe shell.

In some embodiments, the inner structure passes through a cylindricalmember or hub that is attached to the proximal end of the shell. In someembodiments including this feature, the shell and inner structure may beformed from a contiguous flexible elongate member, such as a tubularbraid, that is inverted at one or more ends. The distal hub or markermay be placed on the portion of the filaments where they come togetherjust below the inverted portion of the shell within the shell cavity.Various methods of connecting the shell filaments to the cylindricalmember may be employed including welding, soldering and the like asdescribed herein. In the embodiment shown, the shell and the innerfilaments form different contours.

In some embodiments, the distal hub or marker may be positioned belowthe top or distal surface of the device at a distance from the mostdistal surface which is at least about 10% of the device height. In someembodiments, the distal hub or marker may be positioned just below thetop or distal surface of the device at a distance which is less thanabout 10% of the device height. In some embodiments the filamentsforming the permeable shell and the at least one inner structure may beinverted at least one of the ends of the structure, e.g., proximal ordistal ends.

In some embodiments each of a plurality of inner structures may have anexpanded diameter which differs from that of the other inner structures.In this configuration, a plurality of lobes may nest within each otherto form the multiple radial layers or lobes in the relaxed state. Insome embodiments, the inversion(s) may be at the proximal end. Thus,multiple radial layers may be achieved with a single contiguousstructure. In some embodiments, the inner structure may comprise aplurality of inner structures formed integrally with one another. Insome embodiments, the number of inversions may range from about 1 toabout 5, normally 3. The lobes may be configured in a telescoping mannerinside one another such that the lobe with a smaller diameter isdisposable within a cavity formed by the lobe of the next highestdiameter.

Each of the plurality of inner structures may have an unexpandeddiameter which differs from the other inner structures. An innerstructure with the smallest diameter may be disposable within a cavityof an inner structure having the next largest diameter with largestdiameter inner structure being disposable within the shell cavity.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the inner or invertedstructure(s) may provide a high surface area internal flow baffle. Themultiple concentric radial layers may be particularly beneficial to slowblood flow in side-wall aneurysms. Blood that circulates in the aneurysmmust flow through multiple layers of mesh to complete one circular flowpath. Baffling of the circular flow provides flow disruption leading torapid hemostasis and thrombosis.

In some embodiments, the total surface area of the inner or invertedstructure(s) may be greater than about 100 mm². In some embodiments, thetotal surface area of the inner or inverted structure(s) may be betweenabout 100 mm² and 500 mm² for each centimeter of the device's largestdimension. For example, with a 1.5 cm (diameter or length) device, thesurface area of the inner or inverted structure(s) may be between about150 mm² and 750 mm². Conversely, with a 0.5 cm (diameter or length)device, the surface area of the inner or inverted structure(s) may bebetween about 50 mm² and 250 mm².

In some embodiments, with the device for treatment of a patient'svasculature being under tension and in unexpanded configuration, the atleast one inner structure and the shell extend along a commonlongitudinal axis and may be longitudinally spaced apart. In embodimentswith a plurality of inner structures, with the device for treatment of apatient's vasculature being under tension and in unexpandedconfiguration, each of the plurality of the inner structures and theshell extend along a common longitudinal axis and are longitudinallyspaced apart, with the smallest diameter inner structure beinglongitudinally the farthest away from the shell. In some cases, thisconfiguration may allow for a telescoping configuration once the deviceis in an expanded state with each of the inner structures nesting withineach other with the largest diameter inner structure nesting within andbeing closest to the shell or being disposable against the innerperiphery of the shell as described above.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the optional inner orinverted structure(s), if present, may be substantially or completelywithin the lower portion of the permeable shell. In some embodiments,the height of the inner or inverted structure(s) may be less than about30% of the shell height. In some embodiments, the height of the innerstructure may be between about 30% and 90% of the height of the outerpermeable shell. In any of the device embodiments described herein, theproximal surface of the permeable shell of the device for treatment of apatient's vasculature may be configured to be concave, convex, orconical in shape. In some instances, the conical type of proximalsurface may provide a more natural diversion or branching of blood flowparticularly for terminal aneurysms.

In some embodiments, the distal end of inner structure embodiments mayterminate with a connection or hub. Thus, the inner structure may definea closed volume within the shell that is connected to the shell near theinner proximal surface of the shell. In some embodiments, the innerstructure may not have an actual connection or hub but the innerstructure filaments coalesce to form a substantially closed volume orshape. With an internal termination of the inner structure, a potentialproblem of length matching and buckling may be minimized due to theability of the inner layer to collapse without affecting, or minimallyaffecting, the outer layer. In some embodiments, the inner structureforms a separate lobe from the shell. In some embodiments, the collapsedlength of the inner structure may be less than about 80% of thecollapsed length of the outer structure.

In some embodiments, the outer structure may have a truncated sphere orgenerally heart-like vertical cross-sectional shape. The proximalportion may be generally convex or semi-circular. These features mayallow the device to be placed into a saccular vascular site such as acerebral aneurysm at an angled orientation relative to an axis of theaneurysm. The semi-circular proximal surface presents a relativelyconstant shape to the parent vessel irrespective of the angulation ofthe device axis.

In some embodiments, the inner structure may be formed such that atleast about 80% of the volume of the inner structure is contained withinthe lower or more proximal half of the outer structure or shell volume.In some embodiments, at least about 80% of the volume of the innerstructure may be contained within a lower or more proximal 80% of thevolume of the outer structure or shell. For some embodiments, the meshdensity of the inner structure may be higher than a density of the meshstructure of the outer shell or structure. In some embodiments, theinner structure may be substantially or entirely within the proximal orlower 80% of the outer shell volume.

In some cases, and inner structure, occupying the lower portion of aninterior volume of the outer shell may provide rapid progression ofthrombosis particularly in the distal portion of an aneurysm. In someinstances, this configuration may provide protection of the distal“dome” portion of an aneurysm where it is generally thought to be theweakest and most prone to rupture. Thus, embodiments with proximal innerstructures may provide a method of rapidly occluding a distal portion ofan aneurysm which may be visible under angiography.

Inner structure embodiments may be formed in some cases by braiding,weaving, or other filament interlacing techniques described hereinsimilar to that used for formation of the permeable shell or any othersuitable techniques used for medical textiles and intravascularimplants. Alternatively, a filament may be merely twisted or allowed toform a random mesh of filaments. It may be heat set as described hereinand by methods similar to that used to form the shell or it may not beheat treated beyond any heat setting done when the filaments are formed.Inner structure filament embodiments may be made from metals, polymersor composites thereof. In some embodiments, the filaments are formed ofmaterials that can withstand heat treatment of at least about 450° C. Insome embodiments, some of the filaments may be formed of an aramidefiber such as poly paraphenylene terephthalamide available under thetrade name Kevlar. In some embodiments, the inner structure filamentarymembers may be wires with a diameter between about 10 microns (0.0004inches) and about 30 microns (0.0012 inches). Any of the inner structureembodiments discussed herein may include materials, coatings thatrelease elements or chemicals that promote thrombosis and thrombusformation. Any of the inner structure embodiments discussed herein mayalso be impregnated with particles or molecules that release elements orchemicals that promote thrombosis and thrombus formation.

Some permeable shell embodiments may also have properties such that thediameter of the permeable shell in an expanded state, number anddiameter of large filaments and number and diameter of small filamentsare configured such that the permeable shell in a constrained state hasan outer transverse diameter of less than about 0.04 inches defined bythe expression 1.48 ((N₁d₁ ²+N_(s)d_(s) ²))^(1/2) where N₁ is the numberof large filaments in the permeable shell, N_(s) is the number of smallfilaments in the permeable shell, d₁ is the diameter of the largefilaments in inches, and d_(s) is the diameter of the small filaments ininches.

The various components and or elements of some of the embodimentsdiscussed herein may have same or similar dimensions, materials, and/orconfigurations of those of the other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature and a plurality of arrows indicating inwardradial force.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a beam supported by two simple supportsand a plurality of arrows indicating force against the beam.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a device fortreatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the device for treatment of a patient'svasculature of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross sectional view of the device of FIG. 4taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows the device of FIG. 4 in longitudinal section taken alonglines 6-6 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the woven filament structure taken fromthe encircled portion 7 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the woven filament structure taken fromthe encircled portion 8 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a proximal end view of the device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view of a proximal hub portion of thedevice in FIG. 6 indicated by lines 10-10 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view in partial section of a distal end of adelivery catheter with the device for treatment of a patient'svasculature of FIG. 3 disposed therein in a collapsed constrained state.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a distal portion of a delivery device oractuator showing some internal structure of the device.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the delivery device of FIG. 12 with theaddition of some tubular elements over the internal structures.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the distal portion of the deliverydevice of FIG. 13 with an outer coil and marker in place.

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a proximal portion of the deliverydevice.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a filament configuration for adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a patient being accessed by an introducersheath, a microcatheter and a device for treatment of a patient'svasculature releasably secured to a distal end of a delivery device oractuator.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a terminal aneurysm.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of an aneurysm.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view in section of an aneurysm showingperpendicular arrows which indicate interior nominal longitudinal andtransverse dimensions of the aneurysm.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view in section of the aneurysm of FIG. 20 with adashed outline of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature in arelaxed unconstrained state that extends transversely outside of thewalls of the aneurysm.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view in section of an outline of a devicerepresented by the dashed line in FIG. 21 in a deployed and partiallyconstrained state within the aneurysm.

FIGS. 23-26 show a deployment sequence of a device for treatment of apatient's vasculature.

FIG. 26A is an enlarged view of the device of FIG. 26 in sectionindicated by the encircled portion 26A in FIG. 26 and showing thrombusformation on filaments of the device.

FIG. 26B illustrates further thrombus formation on the filaments of FIG.26A.

FIG. 27 is an elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature deployed within ananeurysm at a tilted angle.

FIG. 28 is an elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature deployed within anirregularly shaped aneurysm.

FIG. 29 shows an elevation view in section of a device for treatment ofa patient's vasculature deployed within a vascular defect aneurysm.

FIG. 30 shows a proximal perspective view of an embodiment of a devicefor treatment of a patient's vasculature with a sealing zone embodimentindicated by a set of dashed lines.

FIGS. 31-35 illustrate various different embodiments of braidingpatterns that may be used for permeable shells of devices for treatmentof a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 36 illustrates a device for treatment of a patient's vasculaturethat includes non-structural fibers in the permeable shell structure ofthe device.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of non-structural fibers woven intofilaments of a permeable shell structure.

FIG. 38 is an elevation view of a mandrel used for manufacture of abraided tubular member for construction of an embodiment of a device fortreatment of a patient's vasculature with the initiation of the braidingprocess shown.

FIG. 39 is an elevation view of a braiding process for a braided tubularmember used for manufacture of a device.

FIG. 40 is an elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of afixture for heat setting a braided tubular member for manufacture of adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 41 is an elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of afixture for heat setting a braided tubular member for manufacture of adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 42 is an elevation view in section that illustrates a flow of bloodwithin an aneurysm of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 43A is an elevation view in section that illustrates an embodimentof a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 43B is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 43A taken along lines43B-43B of FIG. 43A.

FIG. 43C is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 43A in an elongatedconstrained state illustrating the substantially equal longitudinallength of the permeable shell and inner structure in the elongatedconstrained state.

FIG. 43D is a transverse sectional view of the device of FIG. 43C takenalong lines 43D-43D of FIG. 43C.

FIG. 44 is an elevation view in partial section that illustrates anembodiment of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 45A is an elevation view in section that illustrates an embodimentof a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 45B is a transverse sectional view of the device of FIG. 45A takenalong lines 45B-45B of FIG. 45A.

FIG. 46 is an elevation view in section that illustrates an embodimentof a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature disposed within ananeurysm.

FIG. 47 is an elevation view in section that illustrates an embodimentof a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 48 is an elevation view in section that illustrates an embodimentof a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 49 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 50 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 50A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 50 takenalong lines 50A.

FIG. 50B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 50A takenalong lines 50B.

FIG. 51 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 51A shows the embodiment of FIG. 51 in partial section.

FIG. 51B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 51A takenalong lines 51B-51B of FIG. 51A.

FIG. 52 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 52A shows the embodiment of the device for treatment of a patient'svasculature shown in FIG. 52 in partial section and in a relaxedexpanded state.

FIG. 52B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 52A takenalong lines 52B-52B of FIG. 52A.

FIG. 52C is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 52 slightlyunder axial tension.

FIG. 52D illustrates the device of FIG. 52 in a longitudinally extendedstate.

FIG. 53 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 53A shows the device of FIG. 53 in partial section.

FIG. 53B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 53A takenalong lines 53B-53B of FIG. 53A.

FIG. 54 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 54A shows the device embodiment of FIG. 54 in partial section.

FIG. 54B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 54A takenalong lines 54B-54B of FIG. 54A.

FIG. 55 is an elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 55A is a transverse cross section of the device of FIG. 55 takenalong lines 55A-55A of FIG. 55.

FIG. 55B shows the device of FIG. 55 in a collapsed elongated state.

FIG. 56 is an elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 57 illustrates the device embodiment of FIG. 56 disposed in ananeurysm.

FIG. 58 is an elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of adevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 59A represents the image of an angiogram depicting an aneurysmprior to treatment.

FIG. 59B is depicts the aneurysm of FIG. 59A ten (10) minutespost-treatment.

FIG. 59C is a representation of the boundary of the blood flow withinthe aneurysm and the patient's vasculature near the aneurysm shown inFIG. 59A.

FIG. 59D is a representation of the boundary of the blood flow withinthe aneurysm and the patient's vasculature near the aneurysm shown inFIG. 59B ten (10) minutes post-treatment with a dashed line indicatingthe boundary prior to treatment.

FIG. 60 illustrates an aneurysm in section with a deflection deviceembodiment disposed in the native vessel adjacent the aneurysm in aninflated expanded state.

FIG. 61 shows the aneurysm of FIG. 60 with a distal end of amicrocatheter and a distal end of a guidewire disposed within aninterior volume of the aneurysm.

FIG. 62 shows the aneurysm of FIG. 60 with a distal tip of amicrocatheter disposed in the aneurysm and a distal portion of themicrocatheter disposed against an inflated deflection device.

FIG. 63 illustrates an embodiment of a large pore device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature disposed within an aneurysm shown in sectionand a distal end of a microcatheter disposed within an interior volumeof the device.

FIG. 64 illustrates a device for treatment of a patient's vasculaturebeing deployed from the distal end of the microcatheter of FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 illustrates an aneurysm in section with a device for treatmentof a patient's vasculature deployed within an interior volume of theaneurysm and a flow blockage device disposed in the parent arteryadjacent the aneurysm sealing the neck of the aneurysm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Discussed herein are devices and methods for the treatment of vasculardefects that are suitable for minimally invasive deployment within apatient's vasculature, and particularly, within the cerebral vasculatureof a patient. For such embodiments to be safely and effectivelydelivered to a desired treatment site and effectively deployed, somedevice embodiments may be configured for collapse to a low profileconstrained state with a transverse dimension suitable for deliverythrough an inner lumen of a microcatheter and deployment from a distalend thereof. Embodiments of these devices may also maintain a clinicallyeffective configuration with sufficient mechanical integrity oncedeployed so as to withstand dynamic forces within a patient'svasculature over time that may otherwise result in compaction of adeployed device. It may also be desirable for some device embodiments toacutely occlude a vascular defect of a patient during the course of aprocedure in order to provide more immediate feedback regarding successof the treatment to a treating physician. Unless otherwise stated, oneor more of the features, dimensions, or materials of the variousembodiments may be used in other similar embodiments discussed herein.

Some embodiments are particularly useful for the treatment of cerebralaneurysms by reconstructing a vascular wall so as to wholly or partiallyisolate a vascular defect from a patient's blood flow. Some embodimentsmay be configured to be deployed within a vascular defect to facilitatereconstruction, bridging of a vessel wall or both in order to treat thevascular defect. For some of these embodiments, a permeable shell of thedevice may be configured to anchor or fix the permeable shell in aclinically beneficial position. For some embodiments, the device may bedisposed in whole or in part within the vascular defect in order toanchor or fix the device with respect to the vascular structure ordefect. The permeable shell may be configured to span an opening, neckor other portion of a vascular defect in order to isolate the vasculardefect, or a portion thereof, from the patient's nominal vascular systemin order allow the defect to heal or to otherwise minimize the risk ofthe defect to the patient's health.

For some or all of the embodiments of devices for treatment of apatient's vasculature discussed herein, the permeable shell may beconfigured to allow some initial perfusion of blood through thepermeable shell. The porosity of the permeable shell may be configuredto sufficiently isolate the vascular defect so as to promote healing andisolation of the defect, but allow sufficient initial flow through thepermeable shell so as to reduce or otherwise minimize the mechanicalforce exerted on the membrane the dynamic flow of blood or other fluidswithin the vasculature against the device. For some embodiments ofdevices for treatment of a patient's vasculature, only a portion of thepermeable shell that spans the opening or neck of the vascular defect,sometimes referred to as a defect spanning portion, need be permeableand/or conducive to thrombus formation in a patient's bloodstream. Forsuch embodiments, that portion of the device that does not span anopening or neck of the vascular defect may be substantiallynon-permeable or completely permeable with a pore or openingconfiguration that is too large to effectively promote thrombusformation. In addition, a portion of the permeable shell that isinitially permeable or semi-permeable to blood flow may becomesubstantially non-permeable or completely non-permeable due to thrombusformation on the filaments of the device. In some cases, thrombusformation on filaments of the permeable shell or any other portion ofthe device may serve to decrease the pore size between the filaments orclose off the pores of the permeable shell completely.

In general, it may be desirable in some cases to use a hollow, thinwalled device with a permeable shell of resilient material that may beconstrained to a low profile for delivery within a patient. Such adevice may also be configured to expand radially outward upon removal ofthe constraint such that the shell of the device assumes a larger volumeand fills or otherwise occludes a vascular defect within which it isdeployed. The outward radial expansion of the shell may serve to engagesome or all of an inner surface of the vascular defect wherebymechanical friction between an outer surface of the permeable shell ofthe device and the inside surface of the vascular defect effectivelyanchors the device within the vascular defect. Some embodiments of sucha device may also be partially or wholly mechanically captured within acavity of a vascular defect, particularly where the defect has a narrowneck portion with a larger interior volume. In order to achieve a lowprofile and volume for delivery and be capable of a high ratio ofexpansion by volume, some device embodiments include a matrix of wovenor braided filaments that are coupled together by the interwovenstructure so as to form a self-expanding permeable shell having a poreor opening pattern between couplings or intersections of the filamentsthat is substantially regularly spaced and stable, while still allowingfor conformity and volumetric constraint.

As used herein, the terms woven and braided are used interchangeably tomean any form of interlacing of filaments to form a mesh structure. Inthe textile and other industries, these terms may have different or morespecific meanings depending on the product or application such aswhether an article is made in a sheet or cylindrical form. For purposesof the present disclosure, these terms are used interchangeably.

For some embodiments, three factors may be critical for a woven orbraided wire occlusion device for treatment of a patient's vasculaturethat can achieve a desired clinical outcome in the endovasculartreatment of cerebral aneurysms. We have found that for effective use insome applications, it may be desirable for the implant device to havesufficient radial stiffness for stability, limited pore size fornear-complete acute (intra-procedural) occlusion and a collapsed profilewhich is small enough to allow insertion through an inner lumen of amicrocatheter. A device with a radial stiffness below a certainthreshold may be unstable and may be at higher risk of undesiredmovement and embolization of the wrong region of the vasculature in somecases. Larger pores between filament intersections in a braided or wovenstructure may not generate thrombus and occlude a vascular defect in anacute setting and thus may not give a treating physician or healthprofessional such clinical feedback that the flow disruption will leadto a complete and lasting occlusion of the vascular defect beingtreated. Delivery of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculaturethrough a standard microcatheter may be highly desirable to allow accessthrough the tortuous cerebral vasculature in the manner that a treatingphysician is accustomed.

For some embodiments, it may be desirable to use filaments having two ormore different diameters or transverse dimensions to form a permeableshell in order to produce a desired configuration as discussed in moredetail below. The radial stiffness of a two-filament (two differentdiameters) woven device may be expressed as a function of the number offilaments and their diameters, as follows:

S _(radial)=(1.2×10⁶ lbf/D ⁴)(N ₁ d ₁ ⁴ +N _(s) d _(s) ⁴)

where S_(radial) is the radial stiffness in pounds force (lbf),

-   -   D is the Device diameter (transverse dimension),    -   N₁ is the number of large filaments,    -   N_(s) is the number of small filaments,    -   d₁ is the diameter of the large filaments in inches, and    -   d_(s) is the diameter of the small filaments in inches.

Using this expression, the radial stiffness, S_(radial) may be betweenabout 0.014 and 0.284 lbf force for some embodiments of particularclinical value.

The maximum pore size in a portion of a device that spans a neck oropening of a vascular defect desirable for some useful embodiments of awoven wire device for treatment of a patient's vasculature may beexpressed as a function of the total number of all filaments, filamentdiameter and the device diameter. The difference between filament sizeswhere two or more filament diameters or transverse dimensions are used,may be ignored in some cases for devices where the filament size(s) arevery small compared to the device dimensions. For a two-filament device,i.e., a device made from filaments of two different sizes, the smallestfilament diameter may be used for the calculation. Thus, the maximumpore size for such embodiments may be expressed as follows:

P _(max)=(1.7/N _(T))(πD−(N _(T) d _(w)/2))

where P_(max) is the average pore size,

-   -   D is the Device diameter (transverse dimension),    -   N_(T) is the total number of all filaments, and    -   d_(w) is the diameter of the filaments (smallest) in inches.

Using this expression, the maximum pore size, P_(max), of a portion of adevice that spans an opening of a vascular defect or neck, or any othersuitable portion of a device, may be less than about 0.016 inches orabout 400 microns for some embodiments. In some embodiments the maximumpore size for a defect spanning portion or any other suitable portion ofa device may be less than about 0.012 inches or about 300 microns.

The collapsed profile of a two-filament (profile having two differentfilament diameters) woven filament device may be expressed as thefunction:

P _(c)=1.48((N ₁ d ₁ ² +N _(s) d _(s) ²))^(1/2)

where P_(c) is the collapsed profile of the device,

-   -   N₁ is the number of large filaments,    -   N_(s) is the number of small filaments,    -   d₁ is the diameter of the large filaments in inches, and    -   d_(s) is the diameter of the small filaments in inches.

Using this expression, the collapsed profile P_(c) may be less thanabout 1.0 mm for some embodiments of particular clinical value. In someembodiments of particular clinical value, the device may be constructedso as to have all three factors (S_(radial), P_(max) and P_(c)) abovewithin the ranges discussed above; S_(radial) between about 0.014 lbfand 0.284 lbf, P. less than about 300 microns and P_(c) less than about1.0 mm, simultaneously. In some such embodiments, the device may be madeto include about 70 filaments to about 300 filaments. In some cases, thefilaments may have an outer transverse dimension or diameter of about0.0004 inches to about 0.002 inches.

As has been discussed, some embodiments of devices for treatment of apatient's vasculature call for sizing the device which approximates (orwith some over-sizing) the vascular site dimensions to fill the vascularsite. One might assume that scaling of a device to larger dimensions andusing larger filaments would suffice for such larger embodiments of adevice. However, for the treatment of brain aneurysms, the diameter orprofile of the radially collapsed device is limited by the cathetersizes that can be effectively navigated within the small, tortuousvessels of the brain. Further, as a device is made larger with a givenor fixed number of resilient filaments having a given size or thickness,the pores or openings between junctions of the filaments becomecorrespondingly larger. In addition, for a given filament size theflexural modulus or stiffness of the filaments and thus the structuredecrease with increasing device dimension. Flexural modulus may bedefined as the ratio of stress to strain. Thus, a device may beconsidered to have a high flexural modulus or be stiff if the strain(deflection) is low under a given force. A stiff device may also be saidto have low compliance.

To properly configure larger size devices for treatment of a patient'svasculature, it may be useful to model the force on a device when thedevice is deployed into a vascular site or defect, such as a bloodvessel or aneurysm, that has a diameter or transverse dimension that issmaller than a nominal diameter or transverse dimension of the device ina relaxed unconstrained state. As discussed, it may be advisable to“over-size” the device in some cases so that there is a residual forcebetween an outside surface of the device and an inside surface of thevascular wall. The inward radial force on a device 10 that results fromover-sizing is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 with the arrows 12 inthe figure representing the inward radial force. As shown in FIG. 2,these compressive forces on the filaments 14 of the device in FIG. 1 canbe modeled as a simply supported beam 16 with a distributed load orforce as shown by the arrows 18 in the figure. It can be seen from theequation below for the deflection of a beam with two simple supports 20and a distributed load that the deflection is a function of the length,L to the 4^(th) power:

Deflection of Beam=5FL ⁴/384EI

-   -   where F=force,    -   L=length of beam,    -   E=Young's Modulus, and    -   I=moment of inertia.

Thus, as the size of the device increases and L increases, thecompliance increases substantially. Accordingly, an outward radial forceexerted by an outside surface of the filaments 14 of the device 10against a constraining force when inserted into a vascular site such asblood vessel or aneurysm is lower for a given amount of devicecompression or over-sizing. This force may be important in someapplications to assure device stability and to reduce the risk ofmigration of the device and potential distal embolization.

In some embodiments, a combination of small and large filament sizes maybe utilized to make a device with a desired radial compliance and yethave a collapsed profile which is configured to fit through an innerlumen of commonly used microcatheters. A device fabricated with even asmall number of relatively large filaments 14 can provide reduced radialcompliance (or increased stiffness) compared to a device made with allsmall filaments. Even a relatively small number of larger filaments mayprovide a substantial increase in bending stiffness due to change in themoment of Inertia that results from an increase in diameter withoutincreasing the total cross sectional area of the filaments. The momentof inertia (I) of a round wire or filament may be defined by theequation:

I=πd ⁴/64

-   -   where d is the diameter of the wire or filament.

Since the moment of inertia is a function of filament diameter to thefourth power, a small change in the diameter greatly increases themoment of inertia. Thus, a small change in filament size can havesubstantial impact on the deflection at a given load and thus thecompliance of the device.

Thus, the stiffness can be increased by a significant amount without alarge increase in the cross sectional area of a collapsed profile of thedevice 10. This may be particularly important as device embodiments aremade larger to treat large aneurysms. While large cerebral aneurysms maybe relatively rare, they present an important therapeutic challenge assome embolic devices currently available to physicians have relativelypoor results compared to smaller aneurysms.

As such, some embodiments of devices for treatment of a patient'svasculature may be formed using a combination of filaments 14 with anumber of different diameters such as 2, 3, 4, 5 or more differentdiameters or transverse dimensions. In device embodiments wherefilaments with two different diameters are used, some larger filamentembodiments may have a transverse dimension of about 0.001 inches toabout 0.004 inches and some small filament embodiments may have atransverse dimension or diameter of about 0.0004 inches and about 0.0015inches, more specifically, about 0.0004 inches to about 0.001 inches.Some structures may use filaments having a transverse dimension of up toabout 0.001 inches. The ratio of the number of large filaments to thenumber of small filaments may be between about 2 and 12 and may also bebetween about 4 and 8. In some embodiments, the difference in diameteror transverse dimension between the larger and smaller filaments may beless than about 0.004 inches, more specifically, less than about 0.0035inches, and even more specifically, less than about 0.002 inches. Asdiscussed generally above, it may not always be necessary for all wiresor filaments to meet the parameters for the various relationshipsdiscussed herein. This may be particularly true where relatively largenumbers of filaments are being used for a distinct structure. In somecases, a filamentary structure may meet the relationship constraintsdiscussed herein where the predominance of filaments of a permeableshell or inner structure meet a size constraint.

As discussed above, device embodiments 10 for treatment of a patient'svasculature may include a plurality of wires, fibers, threads, tubes orother filamentary elements that form a structure that serves as apermeable shell. For some embodiments, a globular shape may be formedfrom such filaments by connecting or securing the ends of a tubularbraided structure. For such embodiments, the density of a braided orwoven structure may inherently increase at or near the ends where thewires or filaments 14 are brought together and decrease at or near amiddle portion 30 disposed between a proximal end 32 and distal end 34of the permeable shell 40. For some embodiments, an end or any othersuitable portion of a permeable shell 40 may be positioned in an openingor neck of a vascular defect such as an aneurysm for treatment. As such,a braided or woven filamentary device with a permeable shell may notrequire the addition of a separate defect spanning structure havingproperties different from that of a nominal portion of the permeableshell to achieve hemostasis and occlusion of the vascular defect. Such afilamentary device may be fabricated by braiding, weaving or othersuitable filament fabrication techniques. Such device embodiments may beshape set into a variety of three dimensional shapes such as discussedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 3-10, an embodiment of a device for treatment of apatient's vasculature 10 is shown. The device 10 includes aself-expanding resilient permeable shell 40 having a proximal end 32, adistal end 34, a longitudinal axis 46 and further comprising a pluralityof elongate resilient filaments 14 including large filaments 48 andsmall filaments 50 of at least two different transverse dimensions asshown in more detail in FIGS. 5, 7 and 18. The filaments 14 have a wovenstructure and are secured relative to each other at proximal ends 60 anddistal ends 62 thereof. The permeable shell 40 of the device has aradially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within amicrocatheter 61, as shown in FIG. 11, with the thin woven filaments 14extending longitudinally from the proximal end 42 to the distal end 44radially adjacent each other along a length of the filaments.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the permeable shell 40 also has an expandedrelaxed state with a globular and longitudinally shortened configurationrelative to the radially constrained state. In the expanded state, thewoven filaments 14 form the self-expanding resilient permeable shell 40in a smooth path radially expanded from a longitudinal axis 46 of thedevice between the proximal end 32 and distal end 34. The wovenstructure of the filaments 14 includes a plurality of openings 64 in thepermeable shell 40 formed between the woven filaments. For someembodiments, the largest of said openings 64 may be configured to allowblood flow through the openings only at a velocity below a thromboticthreshold velocity. Thrombotic threshold velocity has been defined, atleast by some, as the time-average velocity at which more than 50% of avascular graft surface is covered by thrombus when deployed within apatient's vasculature. In the context of aneurysm occlusion, a slightlydifferent threshold may be appropriate. Accordingly, the thromboticthreshold velocity as used herein shall include the velocity at whichclotting occurs within or on a device, such as device 10, deployedwithin a patient's vasculature such that blood flow into a vasculardefect treated by the device is substantially blocked in less than about1 hour or otherwise during the treatment procedure. The blockage ofblood flow into the vascular defect may be indicated in some cases byminimal contrast agent entering the vascular defect after a sufficientamount of contrast agent has been injected into the patient'svasculature upstream of the implant site and visualized as it dissipatesfrom that site. Such sustained blockage of flow within less than about 1hour or during the duration of the implantation procedure may also bereferred to as acute occlusion of the vascular defect.

As such, once the device 10 is deployed, any blood flowing through thepermeable shell may be slowed to a velocity below the thromboticthreshold velocity and thrombus will begin to form on and around theopenings in the permeable shell 40. Ultimately, this process may beconfigured to produce acute occlusion of the vascular defect withinwhich the device 10 is deployed. For some embodiments, at least thedistal end of the permeable shell 40 may have a reverse bend in aneverted configuration such that the secured distal ends 62 of thefilaments 14 are withdrawn axially within the nominal permeable shellstructure or contour in the expanded state. For some embodiments, theproximal end of the permeable shell further includes a reverse bend inan everted configuration such that the secured proximal ends 60 of thefilaments 14 are withdrawn axially within the nominal permeable shellstructure 40 in the expanded state. As used herein, the term everted mayinclude a structure that is everted, partially everted and/or recessedwith a reverse bend as shown in the device embodiment of FIGS. 3-6. Forsuch embodiments, the ends 60 and 62 of the filaments 14 of thepermeable shell or hub structure disposed around the ends may bewithdrawn within or below the globular shaped periphery of the permeableshell of the device.

The elongate resilient filaments 14 of the permeable shell 40 may besecured relative to each other at proximal ends 60 and distal ends 62thereof by one or more methods including welding, soldering, adhesivebonding, epoxy bonding or the like. In addition to the ends of thefilaments being secured together, a distal hub 66 may also be secured tothe distal ends 62 of the thin filaments 14 of the permeable shell 40and a proximal hub 68 secured to the proximal ends 60 of the thinfilaments 14 of the permeable shell 40. The proximal hub 68 may includea cylindrical member that extends proximally beyond the proximal ends 60of the thin filaments so as to form a cavity 70 within a proximalportion of the proximal hub 68. The proximal cavity 70 may be used forholding adhesives such as epoxy, solder or any other suitable bondingagent for securing an elongate detachment tether 72 that may in turn bedetachably secured to a delivery apparatus such as is shown in FIGS.11-15.

For some embodiments, the elongate resilient filaments 14 of thepermeable shell 40 may have a transverse cross section that issubstantially round in shape and be made from a superelastic materialthat may also be a shape memory metal. The shape memory metal of thefilaments of the permeable shell 40 may be heat set in the globularconfiguration of the relaxed expanded state as shown in FIGS. 3-6.Suitable superelastic shape memory metals may include alloys such asNiTi alloy and the like. The superelastic properties of such alloys maybe useful in providing the resilient properties to the elongatefilaments 14 so that they can be heat set in the globular form shown,fully constrained for delivery within an inner lumen of a microcatheterand then released to self expand back to substantially the original heatset shape of the globular configuration upon deployment within apatient's body.

The device 10 may have an everted filamentary structure with a permeableshell 40 having a proximal end 32 and a distal end 34 in an expandedrelaxed state. The permeable shell 40 has a substantially enclosedconfiguration for the embodiments shown. Some or all of the permeableshell 40 of the device 10 may be configured to substantially block orimpede fluid flow or pressure into a vascular defect or otherwiseisolate the vascular defect over some period of time after the device isdeployed in an expanded state. The permeable shell 40 and device 10generally also has a low profile, radially constrained state, as shownin FIG. 11, with an elongated tubular or cylindrical configuration thatincludes the proximal end 32, the distal end 34 and a longitudinal axis46. While in the radially constrained state, the elongate flexiblefilaments 14 of the permeable shell 40 may be disposed substantiallyparallel and in close lateral proximity to each other between theproximal end and distal end forming a substantially tubular orcompressed cylindrical configuration.

Proximal ends 60 of at least some of the filaments 14 of the permeableshell 40 may be secured to the proximal hub 68 and distal ends 62 of atleast some of the filaments 14 of the permeable shell 40 are secured tothe distal hub 66, with the proximal hub 68 and distal hub 66 beingdisposed substantially concentric to the longitudinal axis 46 as shownin FIG. 4. The ends of the filaments 14 may be secured to the respectivehubs 66 and 68 by any of the methods discussed above with respect tosecurement of the filament ends to each other, including the use ofadhesives, solder, welding and the like. A middle portion 30 of thepermeable shell 40 may have a first transverse dimension with a lowprofile suitable for delivery from a microcatheter as shown in FIG. 11.Radial constraint on the device 10 may be applied by an inside surfaceof the inner lumen of a microcatheter, such as the distal end portion ofthe microcatheter 61 shown, or it may be applied by any other suitablemechanism that may be released in a controllable manner upon ejection ofthe device 10 from the distal end of the catheter. In FIG. 11 a proximalend or hub 68 of the device 10 is secured to a distal end of an elongatedelivery apparatus 110 of a delivery system 112 disposed at the proximalhub 68 of the device 10.

Some device embodiments 10 having a braided or woven filamentarystructure may be formed using about 10 filaments to about 300 filaments14, more specifically, about 10 filaments to about 100 filaments 14, andeven more specifically, about 60 filaments to about 80 filaments 14.Some embodiments of a permeable shell 40 may include about 70 filamentsto about 300 filaments extending from the proximal end 32 to the distalend 34, more specifically, about 100 filaments to about 200 filamentsextending from the proximal end 32 to the distal end 34. For someembodiments, the filaments 14 may have a transverse dimension ordiameter of about 0.0008 inches to about 0.004 inches. The elongateresilient filaments 14 in some cases may have an outer transversedimension or diameter of about 0.0005 inch to about 0.005 inch, morespecifically, about 0.001 inch to about 0.003 inch, and in some casesabout 0.0004 inches to about 0.002 inches. For some device embodiments10 that include filaments 14 of different sizes, the large filaments 48of the permeable shell 40 may have a transverse dimension or diameterthat is about 0.001 inches to about 0.004 inches and the small filaments50 may have a transverse dimension or diameter of about 0.0004 inches toabout 0.0015 inches, more specifically, about 0.0004 inches to about0.001 inches. In addition, a difference in transverse dimension ordiameter between the small filaments 50 and the large filaments 48 maybe less than about 0.004 inches, more specifically, less than about0.0035 inches, and even more specifically, less than about 0.002 inches.For embodiments of permeable shells 40 that include filaments 14 ofdifferent sizes, the number of small filaments 50 of the permeable shell40 relative to the number of large filaments 48 of the permeable shell40 may be about 2 to 1 to about 15 to 1, more specifically, about 2 to 1to about 12 to 1, and even more specifically, about 4 to 1 to about 8 to1.

The expanded relaxed state of the permeable shell 40, as shown in FIG.4, has an axially shortened configuration relative to the constrainedstate such that the proximal hub 68 is disposed closer to the distal hub66 than in the constrained state. Both hubs 66 and 68 are disposedsubstantially concentric to the longitudinal axis 46 of the device andeach filamentary element 14 forms a smooth arc between the proximal anddistal hubs 66 and 68 with a reverse bend at each end. A longitudinalspacing between the proximal and distal hubs 66 and 68 of the permeableshell 40 in a deployed relaxed state may be about 25 percent to about 75percent of the longitudinal spacing between the proximal and distal hubs66 and 68 in the constrained cylindrical state, for some embodiments.The arc of the filaments 14 between the proximal and distal ends 32 and34 may be configured such that a middle portion of each filament 14 hasa second transverse dimension substantially greater than the firsttransverse dimension.

For some embodiments, the permeable shell 40 may have a first transversedimension in a collapsed radially constrained state of about 0.2 mm toabout 2 mm and a second transverse dimension in a relaxed expanded stateof about 4 mm to about 30 mm. For some embodiments, the secondtransverse dimension of the permeable shell 40 in an expanded state maybe about 2 times to about 150 times the first transverse dimension, morespecifically, about 10 times to about 25 times the first or constrainedtransverse dimension. A longitudinal spacing between the proximal end 32and distal end 34 of the permeable shell 40 in the relaxed expandedstate may be about 25% percent to about 75% percent of the spacingbetween the proximal end 32 and distal end 34 in the constrainedcylindrical state. For some embodiments, a major transverse dimension ofthe permeable shell 40 in a relaxed expanded state may be about 4 mm toabout 30 mm, more specifically, about 9 mm to about 15 mm, and even morespecifically, about 4 mm to about 8 mm.

An arced portion of the filaments 14 of the permeable shell 40 may havea sinusoidal-like shape with a first or outer radius 88 and a second orinner radius 90 near the ends of the permeable shell 40 as shown in FIG.6. This sinusoid-like or multiple curve shape may provide a concavity inthe proximal end 32 that may reduce an obstruction of flow in a parentvessel adjacent a vascular defect. For some embodiments, the firstradius 88 and second radius 90 of the permeable shell 40 may be betweenabout 0.12 mm to about 3 mm. For some embodiments, the distance betweenthe proximal end 32 and distal end 34 may be less than about 60% of theoverall length of the permeable shell 40 for some embodiments. Such aconfiguration may allow for the distal end 34 to flex downward towardthe proximal end 32 when the device 10 meets resistance at the distalend 34 and thus may provide longitudinal conformance. The filaments 14may be shaped in some embodiments such that there are no portions thatare without curvature over a distance of more than about 2 mm. Thus, forsome embodiments, each filament 14 may have a substantially continuouscurvature. This substantially continuous curvature may provide smoothdeployment and may reduce the risk of vessel perforation. For someembodiments, one of the ends 32 or 34 may be retracted or everted to agreater extent than the other so as to be more longitudinally or axiallyconformal than the other end.

The first radius 88 and second radius 90 of the permeable shell 40 maybe between about 0.12 mm to about 3 mm for some embodiments. For someembodiments, the distance between the proximal end 32 and distal end 34may be more than about 60% of the overall length of the expandedpermeable shell 40. Thus, the largest longitudinal distance between theinner surfaces may be about 60% to about 90% of the longitudinal lengthof the outer surfaces or the overall length of device 10. A gap betweenthe hubs 66 and 68 at the proximal end 32 and distal end 34 may allowfor the distal hub 66 to flex downward toward the proximal hub 68 whenthe device 10 meets resistance at the distal end and thus provideslongitudinal conformance. The filaments 14 may be shaped such that thereare no portions that are without curvature over a distance of more thanabout 2 mm. Thus, for some embodiments, each filament 14 may have asubstantially continuous curvature. This substantially continuouscurvature may provide smooth deployment and may reduce the risk ofvessel perforation. The distal end 34 may be retracted or everted to agreater extent than the proximal end 32 such that the distal end portionof the permeable shell 40 may be more radially conformal than theproximal end portion. Conformability of a distal end portion may providebetter device conformance to irregular shaped aneurysms or othervascular defects. A convex surface of the device may flex inward forminga concave surface to conform to curvature of a vascular site.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of the filaments 14 disposed within aproximal hub 68 of the device 10 with the filaments 14 of two differentsizes constrained and tightly packed by an outer ring of the proximalhub 68. The tether member 72 may optionally be disposed within a middleportion of the filaments 14 or within the cavity 70 of the proximal hub68 proximal of the proximal ends 60 of the filaments 14 as shown in FIG.6. The distal end of the tether 72 may be secured with a knot 92 formedin the distal end thereof which is mechanically captured in the cavity70 of the proximal hub 68 formed by a proximal shoulder portion 94 ofthe proximal hub 68. The knotted distal end 92 of the tether 72 may alsobe secured by bonding or potting of the distal end of the tether 72within the cavity 70 and optionally amongst the proximal ends 60 of thefilaments 14 with mechanical compression, adhesive bonding, welding,soldering, brazing or the like. The tether embodiment 72 shown in FIG. 6has a knotted distal end 92 potted in the cavity of the proximal hub 68with an adhesive. Such a tether 72 may be a dissolvable, severable orreleasable tether that may be part of a delivery apparatus 110 used todeploy the device 10 as shown in FIG. 11 and FIGS. 23-26. FIG. 10 alsoshows the large filaments 48 and small filaments 50 disposed within andconstrained by the proximal hub 68 which may be configured to secure thelarge and small filaments 48 and 50 in place relative to each otherwithin the outer ring of the proximal hub 68.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate some configuration embodiments of braidedfilaments 14 of a permeable shell 40 of the device 10 for treatment of apatient's vasculature. The braid structure in each embodiment is shownwith a circular shape 100 disposed within a pore 64 of a woven orbraided structure with the circular shape 100 making contact with eachadjacent filament segment. The pore opening size may be determined atleast in part by the size of the filament elements 14 of the braid, theangle overlapping filaments make relative to each other and the picksper inch of the braid structure. For some embodiments, the cells oropenings 64 may have an elongated substantially diamond shape as shownin FIG. 7, and the pores or openings 64 of the permeable shell 40 mayhave a substantially more square shape toward a middle portion 30 of thedevice 10, as shown in FIG. 8. The diamond shaped pores or openings 64may have a length substantially greater than the width particularly nearthe hubs 66 and 68. In some embodiments, the ratio of diamond shapedpore or opening length to width may exceed a ratio of 3 to 1 for somecells. The diamond-shaped openings 64 may have lengths greater than thewidth thus having an aspect ratio, defined as Length/Width of greaterthan 1. The openings 64 near the hubs 66 and 68 may have substantiallylarger aspect ratios than those farther from the hubs as shown in FIG.7. The aspect ratio of openings 64 adjacent the hubs may be greater thanabout 4 to 1. The aspect ratio of openings 64 near the largest diametermay be between about 0.75 to 1 and about 2 to 1 for some embodiments.For some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the openings 64 in thepermeable shell 40 may be about 0.5 to 1 to about 2 to 1.

The pore size defined by the largest circular shapes 100 that may bedisposed within openings 64 of the braided structure of the permeableshell 40 without displacing or distorting the filaments 14 surroundingthe opening 64 may range in size from about 0.005 inches to about 0.01inches, more specifically, about 0.006 inches to about 0.009 inches,even more specifically, about 0.007 inches to about 0.008 inches forsome embodiments. In addition, at least some of the openings 64 formedbetween adjacent filaments 14 of the permeable shell 40 of the device 10may be configured to allow blood flow through the openings 64 only at avelocity below a thrombotic threshold velocity. For some embodiments,the largest openings 64 in the permeable shell structure 40 may beconfigured to allow blood flow through the openings 64 only at avelocity below a thrombotic threshold velocity. As discussed above, thepore size may be less than about 0.016 inches, more specifically, lessthan about 0.012 inches for some embodiments. For some embodiments, theopenings 64 formed between adjacent filaments 14 may be about 0.005inches to about 0.04 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, a delivery apparatus embodiment 110 of thedelivery system 112 of FIG. 11 is shown in more detail. The apparatus110 includes an elongate core wire 114 that extends from a proximal end116 of the apparatus 110 to a distal section 118 of the apparatus 110 asshown in FIG. 12. The core wire 114 is configured to provide sufficientcolumn strength to push a constrained device 10 for treatment of apatient's vasculature through an inner lumen 120 of the microcatheter 61of the delivery system 112 as shown in FIG. 11. The core wire 114 alsohas sufficient tensile strength to withdraw or proximally retract thedevice 10 from a position outside the microcatheter 61 and axiallywithin the inner lumen 120 of the microcatheter 61. The tether 72 thatextends proximally from the proximal hub 68 is secured to the distal endof the core wire 114 with a length of shrinkable tubing 122 that isdisposed over a portion of the tether 72 and a distal section of thecore wire 114 and shrunk over both as shown in FIG. 13, although anyother suitable means of securement may be used.

A heater coil 124 electrically coupled to a first conductor 126 and asecond conductor 128 is disposed over a distal most portion of thetether 72. The heater coil 124 may also be covered with a length ofpolymer tubing 130 disposed over the heater coil 124 distal of the heatshrink tubing 122 that serves to act as a heat shield and minimizes theleakage of heat from the heater coil 124 into the environment, such asthe patient's blood stream, around the delivery apparatus 110. Once theheat shrink tubing 122 and insulating polymer tubing 130 have beensecured to the distal section 118 of the apparatus 110, the proximalportion of the tether 72 disposed proximal of the heat shrink tubing 122may be trimmed as shown in FIG. 13. An over coil 132 that extends from adistal end 134 of the delivery apparatus 110 to a proximal section 136of the apparatus 110 may then be disposed over the heater coil 124, corewire 114, tether 72, first conductor 126 and second conductor 128 tohold these elements together, produce a low friction outer surface andmaintain a desired flexibility of the delivery apparatus 110. Theproximal section 136 of the apparatus 110 includes the proximal terminusof the over coil 132 which is disposed distal of a first contact 138 andsecond contact 140 which are circumferentially disposed about theproximal section 136 of the core wire 114, insulated therefrom, andelectrically coupled to the first conductor 126 and second conductor128, respectively as shown in FIG. 15.

The heater coil 124 may be configured to receive electric currentsupplied through the first conductor 126 and second conductor 128 froman electrical energy source 142 coupled to the first contact 138 andsecond contact 140 at the proximal section 136 of the apparatus 110. Theelectrical current passed through the heater coil 124 heats the heatercoil to a temperature above the melting point of the tether material 72so as to melt the tether 72 and sever it upon deployment of the device10.

Embodiments of the delivery apparatus 110 may generally have a lengthgreater than the overall length of a microcatheter 61 to be used for thedelivery system 112. This relationship allows the delivery apparatus 110to extend, along with the device 10 secured to the distal end thereof,from the distal port of the inner lumen 120 of the microcatheter 61while having sufficient length extending from a proximal end 150 of themicrocatheter 61, shown in FIG. 17 discussed below, to enablemanipulation thereof by a physician. For some embodiments, the length ofthe delivery apparatus 110 may be about 170 cm to about 200 cm. The corewire 114 may be made from any suitable high strength material such asstainless steel, NiTi alloy, or the like. Embodiments of the core wire114 may have an outer diameter or transverse dimension of about 0.010inch to about 0.015 inch. The over coil 132 may have an outer diameteror transverse dimension of about 0.018 inch to about 0.03 inch. Althoughthe apparatus embodiment 110 shown in FIGS. 12-15 is activated byelectrical energy passed through a conductor pair, a similarconfiguration that utilizes light energy passed through a fiber optic orany other suitable arrangement could be used to remotely heat a distalheating member or element such as the heater coil 124 to sever thedistal portion of the tether 72. In addition, other delivery apparatusembodiments are discussed and incorporated herein that may also be usedfor any of the device embodiments 10 for treatment of a patient'svasculature discussed herein.

Other delivery and positioning system embodiments may provide for theability to rotate a device for treatment of a patient's vasculaturein-vivo without translating torque along the entire length of thedelivery apparatus. Some embodiments for delivery and positioning ofdevices 10 are described in co-owned International PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2008/065694 incorporated above. The delivery andpositioning apparatus may include a distal rotating member that allowsrotational positioning of the device. The delivery and positioningapparatus may include a distal rotating member which rotates an implantin-vivo without the transmission of torque along the entire length ofthe apparatus. Optionally, delivery system may also rotate the implantwithout the transmission of torque in the intermediate portion betweenthe proximal end and the distal rotatable end. The delivery andpositioning apparatus may be releasably secured to any suitable portionof the device for treatment of a patient's vasculature.

Device embodiments discussed herein may be releasable from any suitableflexible, elongate delivery apparatus or actuator such as a guidewire orguidewire-like structure. The release of device embodiments from such adelivery apparatus may be activated by a thermal mechanism, as discussedabove, electrolytic mechanism, hydraulic mechanism, shape memorymaterial mechanism, or any other mechanism known in the art ofendovascular implant deployment.

Embodiments for deployment and release of therapeutic devices, such asdeployment of embolic devices or stents within the vasculature of apatient, may include connecting such a device via a releasableconnection to a distal portion of a pusher or other delivery apparatusmember. The therapeutic device 10 may be detachably mounted to thedistal portion of the apparatus by a filamentary tether 72, string,thread, wire, suture, fiber, or the like, which may be referred to aboveas the tether. The tether 72 may be in the form of a monofilament, rod,ribbon, hollow tube, or the like. Some embodiments of the tether mayhave a diameter or maximum thickness of between about 0.05 mm and 0.2mm. The tether 72 may be configured to be able to withstand a maximumtensile load of between about 0.5 kg and 5 kg. For some embodiments, dueto the mass of the device 10 being deployed which may be substantiallygreater than some embolic devices, some known detachment devices maylack sufficient tensile strength to be used for some embodimentsdiscussed herein. As such, it may be desirable to use small very highstrength fibers for some tether embodiments having a “load at break”greater than about 15 Newtons. For some embodiments, a tether made froma material known as Dyneema Purity available from Royal DSM, Heerlen,Netherlands may be used.

The tether 72 may be severed by the input of energy such as electriccurrent to a heating element causing release of the therapeutic device.For some embodiments, the heating element may be a coil of wire withhigh electrical resistivity such as a platinum-tungsten alloy. Thetether member may pass through or be positioned adjacent the heaterelement. The heater may be contained substantially within the distalportion of the delivery apparatus to provide thermal insulation toreduce the potential for thermal damage to the surrounding tissuesduring detachment. In another embodiment, current may pass through thetether which also acts as a heating element.

Many materials may be used to make tether embodiments 72 includingpolymers, metals and composites thereof. One class of materials that maybe useful for tethers includes polymers such as polyolefin, polyolefinelastomer such as polyethylene, polyester (PET), polyamide (Nylon),polyurethane, polypropylene, block copolymer such as PEBAX or Hytrel,and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVA); or rubbery materials such as silicone,latex, and Kraton. In some cases, the polymer may also be cross-linkedwith radiation to manipulate its tensile strength and melt temperature.Another class of materials that may be used for tether embodiment mayinclude metals such as nickel titanium alloy (Nitinol), gold, platinum,tantalum and steel. Other materials that may be useful for tetherconstruction includes wholly aromatic polyester polymers which areliquid crystal polymers (LCP) that may provide high performanceproperties and are highly inert. A commercially available LCP polymer isVectran, which is produced by Kuraray Co. (Tokyo, Japan). The selectionof the material may depend on the melting or softening temperature, thepower used for detachment, and the body treatment site. The tether maybe joined to the implant and/or the pusher by crimping, welding, knottying, soldering, adhesive bonding, or other means known in the art.

It should be noted also that many variations of filament and proximalhub construction such as is detailed above with regard to FIG. 10 may beused for useful embodiments of a device for treatment of a patient'svasculature 10. FIG. 16 shows an enlarged view in transverse crosssection of a proximal hub configuration. For the embodiment shown, thefilaments 14 are disposed within a proximal hub 68 or end portion of thedevice 10 with the filaments 14 constrained and tightly packed by anouter ring of the proximal hub 68. A tether member 72 may be disposedwithin a middle portion of the filaments 14 or within a cavity of theproximal hub 68 proximal of the proximal ends 60 of the filaments 14.Such a tether 72 may be a dissolvable, severable or releasable tetherthat may be part of a release apparatus as discussed above used todeploy the device.

FIG. 16 illustrates in transverse cross section an embodiment of aproximal hub 68 showing the configuration of filaments which may betightly packed and radially constrained by an inside surface of theproximal hub 68. In some embodiments, the braided or woven structure ofthe permeable shell 40 formed from such filaments 14 may be constructedusing a large number of small filaments. The number of filaments 14 maybe greater than 125 and may also be between about 80 filaments and about180 filaments. As discussed above, the total number of filaments 14 forsome embodiments may be about 70 filaments to about 300 filaments, morespecifically, about 100 filaments to about 200 filaments. In someembodiments, the braided structure of the permeable shell 40 may beconstructed with two or more sizes of filaments 14. For example, thestructure may have several larger filaments that provide structuralsupport and several smaller filaments that provide the desired pore sizeand density and thus flow resistance to achieve a thrombotic thresholdvelocity in some cases. For some embodiments, small filaments 50 of thepermeable shell 40 may have a transverse dimension or diameter of about0.0006 inches to about 0.002 inches for some embodiments and about0.0004 inches to about 0.001 inches in other embodiments. The largefilaments 48 may have a transverse dimension or diameter of about 0.0015inches to about 0.004 inches in some embodiments and about 0.001 inchesto about 0.004 inches in other embodiments. The filaments 14 may bebraided in a plain weave that is one under, one over structure (shown inFIGS. 7 and 8) or a supplementary weave; more than one warp interlacewith one or more than one weft. The pick count may be varied betweenabout 25 and 200 picks per inch (PPI).

For some embodiments, the permeable shell 40 or portions thereof may beporous and may be highly permeable to liquids. In contrast to mostvascular prosthesis fabrics or grafts which typically have a waterpermeability below 2,000 ml/min/cm² when measured at a pressure of 120mmHg, the permeable shell 40 of some embodiments discussed herein mayhave a water permeability greater than about 2,000 ml/min/cm², in somecases greater than about 2,500 ml/min/cm². For some embodiments, waterpermeability of the permeable shell 40 or portions thereof may bebetween about 2,000 and 10,000 ml/min/cm², more specifically, about2,000 ml/min/cm² to about 15,000 ml/min/cm², when measured at a pressureof 120 mmHg.

Device embodiments and components thereof may include metals, polymers,biologic materials and composites thereof. Suitable metals includezirconium-based alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, nickel-titanium alloys,platinum, tantalum, stainless steel, titanium, gold, and tungsten.Potentially suitable polymers include but are not limited to acrylics,silk, silicones, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol,polyesters (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate or PET), PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polycarbonate urethane(PCU) and polyurethane (PU). Device embodiments may include a materialthat degrades or is absorbed or eroded by the body. A bioresorbable(e.g., breaks down and is absorbed by a cell, tissue, or other mechanismwithin the body) or bioabsorbable (similar to bioresorbable) materialmay be used. Alternatively, a bioerodable_(e.g., erodes or degrades overtime by contact with surrounding tissue fluids, through cellularactivity or other physiological degradation mechanisms), biodegradable(e.g., degrades over time by enzymatic or hydrolytic action, or othermechanism in the body), or dissolvable material may be employed. Each ofthese terms is interpreted to be interchangeable. Potentially suitablebioabsorbable materials include polylactic acid (PLA),poly(alpha-hydroxy acid) such as poly-L-lactide (PLLA), poly-D-lactide(PDLA), polyglycolide (PGA), polydioxanone, polycaprolactone,polygluconate, polylactic acid-polyethylene oxide copolymers, modifiedcellulose, collagen, poly(hydroxybutyrate), polyanhydride,polyphosphoester, poly(amino acids), or related copolymer materials. Anabsorbable composite fiber may be made by combining a reinforcementfiber made from a copolymer of about 18% glycolic acid and about 82%lactic acid with a matrix material consisting of a blend of the abovecopolymer with about 20% polycaprolactone (PCL).

In any of the suitable device embodiments 10 discussed herein, thepermeable shell structure 40, or any other suitable permeable shellstructure discussed herein, may include one or more fixation elements orsurfaces to facilitate fixation of the device within a blood vessel orother vascular site. The fixation elements may comprise hooks, barbs,protrusions, pores, micro-features, texturing, bioadhesives orcombinations thereof. Embodiments of the support structure may befabricated from a tube of metal where portions are removed. The removalof material may be done by laser, electrical discharge machining (EDM),photochemical etching and traditional machining techniques. In any ofthe described embodiments, the support structure may be constructed witha plurality of wires, cut or etched from a sheet of a material, cut oretched from a tube or a combination thereof as in the art of vascularstent fabrication.

Permeable shell embodiments 40 may be formed at least in part of wire,ribbon, or other filamentary elements 14. These filamentary elements 14may have circular, elliptical, ovoid, square, rectangular, or triangularcross-sections. Permeable shell embodiments 40 may also be formed usingconventional machining, laser cutting, electrical discharge machining(EDM) or photochemical machining (PCM). If made of a metal, it may beformed from either metallic tubes or sheet material.

Device embodiments 10 discussed herein may be delivered and deployedfrom a delivery and positioning system 112 that includes a microcatheter61, such as the type of microcatheter 61 that is known in the art ofneurovascular navigation and therapy. Device embodiments for treatmentof a patient's vasculature 10 may be elastically collapsed andrestrained by a tube or other radial restraint, such as an inner lumen120 of a microcatheter 61, for delivery and deployment. Themicrocatheter 61 may generally be inserted through a small incision 152accessing a peripheral blood vessel such as the femoral artery orbrachial artery. The microcatheter 61 may be delivered or otherwisenavigated to a desired treatment site 154 from a position outside thepatient's body 156 over a guidewire 159 under fluoroscopy or by othersuitable guiding methods. The guidewire 159 may be removed during such aprocedure to allow insertion of the device 10 secured to a deliveryapparatus 110 of the delivery system 112 through the inner lumen 120 ofa microcatheter 61 in some cases. FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic viewof a patient 158 undergoing treatment of a vascular defect 160 as shownin FIG. 18. An access sheath 162 is shown disposed within either aradial artery 164 or femoral artery 166 of the patient 158 with adelivery system 112 that includes a microcatheter 61 and deliveryapparatus 110 disposed within the access sheath 162. The delivery system112 is shown extending distally into the vasculature of the patient'sbrain adjacent a vascular defect 160 in the patient's brain.

Access to a variety of blood vessels of a patient may be established,including arteries such as the femoral artery 166, radial artery 164,and the like in order to achieve percutaneous access to a vasculardefect 160. In general, the patient 158 may be prepared for surgery andthe access artery is exposed via a small surgical incision 152 andaccess to the lumen is gained using the Seldinger technique where anintroducing needle is used to place a wire over which a dilator orseries of dilators dilates a vessel allowing an introducer sheath 162 tobe inserted into the vessel. This would allow the device to be usedpercutaneously. With an introducer sheath 162 in place, a guidingcatheter 168 is then used to provide a safe passageway from the entrysite to a region near the target site 154 to be treated. For example, intreating a site in the human brain, a guiding catheter 168 would bechosen which would extend from the entry site 152 at the femoral arteryup through the large arteries extending around the heart through theaortic arch, and downstream through one of the arteries extending fromthe upper side of the aorta such as the carotid artery 170. Typically, aguidewire 159 and neurovascular microcatheter 61 are then placed throughthe guiding catheter 168 and advanced through the patient's vasculature,until a distal end 151 of the microcatheter 61 is disposed adjacent orwithin the target vascular defect 160, such as an aneurysm. Exemplaryguidewires 159 for neurovascular use include the Synchro2® made byBoston Scientific and the Glidewire Gold Neuro® made by MicroVentionTerumo. Typical guidewire sizes may include 0.014 inches and 0.018inches. Once the distal end 151 of the catheter 61 is positioned at thesite, often by locating its distal end through the use of radiopaquemarker material and fluoroscopy, the catheter is cleared. For example,if a guidewire 159 has been used to position the microcatheter 61, it iswithdrawn from the catheter 61 and then the implant delivery apparatus110 is advanced through the microcatheter 61.

Delivery and deployment of device embodiments 10 discussed herein may becarried out by first compressing the device 10, or any other suitabledevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature discussed herein, to aradially constrained and longitudinally flexible state as shown in FIG.11. The device 10 may then be delivered to a desired treatment site 154while disposed within the microcatheter 61, and then ejected orotherwise deployed from a distal end 151 of the microcatheter 61. Inother method embodiments, the microcatheter 61 may first be navigated toa desired treatment site 154 over a guidewire 159 or by other suitablenavigation techniques. The distal end of the microcatheter 61 may bepositioned such that a distal port of the microcatheter 61 is directedtowards or disposed within a vascular defect 160 to be treated and theguidewire 159 withdrawn. The device 10 secured to a suitable deliveryapparatus 110 may then be radially constrained, inserted into a proximalportion of the inner lumen 120 of the microcatheter 61 and distallyadvanced to the vascular defect 160 through the inner lumen 120.

Once disposed within the vascular defect 160, the device 10 may thenallowed to assume an expanded relaxed or partially relaxed state withthe permeable shell 40 of the device spanning or partially spanning aportion of the vascular defect 160 or the entire vascular defect 160.The device 10 may also be activated by the application of an energysource to assume an expanded deployed configuration once ejected fromthe distal section of the microcatheter 61 for some embodiments. Oncethe device 10 is deployed at a desired treatment site 154, themicrocatheter 61 may then be withdrawn.

Some embodiments of devices for the treatment of a patient's vasculature10 discussed herein may be directed to the treatment of specific typesof defects of a patient's vasculature. For example, referring to FIG.18, an aneurysm 160 commonly referred to as a terminal aneurysm is shownin section. Terminal aneurysms occur typically at bifurcations in apatient's vasculature where blood flow, indicated by the arrows 172,from a supply vessel splits into two or more branch vessels directedaway from each other. The main flow of blood from the supply vessel 174,such as a basilar artery, sometimes impinges on the vessel where thevessel diverges and where the aneurysm sack forms. Terminal aneurysmsmay have a well defined neck structure where the profile of the aneurysm160 narrows adjacent the nominal vessel profile, but other terminalaneurysm embodiments may have a less defined neck structure or no neckstructure. FIG. 19 illustrates a typical berry type aneurysm 160 insection where a portion of a wall of a nominal vessel section weakensand expands into a sack like structure ballooning away from the nominalvessel surface and profile. Some berry type aneurysms may have a welldefined neck structure as shown in FIG. 19, but others may have a lessdefined neck structure or none at all. FIG. 19 also shows some optionalprocedures wherein a stent 173 or other type of support has beendeployed in the parent vessel 174 adjacent the aneurysm. Also, shown isembolic material 176 being deposited into the aneurysm 160 through amicrocatheter 61. Either or both of the stent 173 and embolic material176 may be so deployed either before or after the deployment of a devicefor treatment of a patient's vasculature 10.

Prior to delivery and deployment of a device for treatment of apatient's vasculature 10, it may be desirable for the treating physicianto choose an appropriately sized device 10 to optimize the treatmentresults. Some embodiments of treatment may include estimating a volumeof a vascular site or defect 160 to be treated and selecting a device 10with a volume that is substantially the same volume or slightlyover-sized relative to the volume of the vascular site or defect 160.The volume of the vascular defect 160 to be occluded may be determinedusing three-dimensional angiography or other similar imaging techniquesalong with software which calculates the volume of a selected region.The amount of over-sizing may be between about 2% and 15% of themeasured volume. In some embodiments, such as a very irregular shapedaneurysm, it may be desirable to under-size the volume of the device 10.Small lobes or “daughter aneurysms” may be excluded from the volume,defining a truncated volume which may be only partially filled by thedevice without affecting the outcome. A device 10 deployed within suchan irregularly shaped aneurysm 160 is shown in FIG. 28 discussed below.Such a method embodiment may also include implanting or deploying thedevice 10 so that the vascular defect 160 is substantially filledvolumetrically by a combination of device and blood contained therein.The device 10 may be configured to be sufficiently conformal to adapt toirregular shaped vascular defects 160 so that at least about 75%, insome cases about 80%, of the vascular defect volume is occluded by acombination of device 10 and blood contained therein.

In particular, for some treatment embodiments, it may be desirable tochoose a device 10 that is properly oversized in a transverse dimensionso as to achieve a desired conformance, radial force and fit afterdeployment of the device 10. FIGS. 20-22 illustrate a schematicrepresentation of how a device 10 may be chosen for a proper fit afterdeployment that is initially oversized in a transverse dimension by atleast about 10% of the largest transverse dimension of the vasculardefect 160 and sometimes up to about 100% of the largest transversedimension. For some embodiments, the device 10 may be oversized a smallamount (e.g. less than about 1.5 mm) in relation to measured dimensionsfor the width, height or neck diameter of the vascular defect 160.

In FIG. 20, a vascular defect 160 in the form of a cerebral aneurysm isshown with horizontal arrows 180 and vertical arrows 182 indicating theapproximate largest interior dimensions of the defect 160. Arrow 180extending horizontally indicates the largest transverse dimension of thedefect 160. In FIG. 21, a dashed outline 184 of a device for treatmentof the vascular defect 10 is shown superimposed over the vascular defect160 of FIG. 20 illustrating how a device 10 that has been chosen to beapproximately 20% oversized in a transverse dimension would look in itsunconstrained, relaxed state. FIG. 22 illustrates how the device 10which is indicated by the dashed line 184 of FIG. 21 might conform tothe interior surface of the vascular defect 160 after deployment wherebythe nominal transverse dimension of the device 10 in a relaxedunconstrained state has now been slightly constrained by the inwardradial force 185 exerted by the vascular defect 160 on the device 10. Inresponse, as the filaments 14 of the device 10 and thus the permeableshell 40 made therefrom have a constant length, the device 10 hasassumed a slightly elongated shape in the axial or longitudinal axis ofthe device 10 so as to elongate and better fill the interior volume ofthe defect 160 as indicated by the downward arrow 186 in FIG. 22.

Once a properly sized device 10 has been selected, the delivery anddeployment process may then proceed. It should also be noted also thatthe properties of the device embodiments 10 and delivery systemembodiments 112 discussed herein generally allow for retraction of adevice 10 after initial deployment into a defect 160, but beforedetachment of the device 10. Therefore, it may also be possible anddesirable to withdraw or retrieve an initially deployed device 10 afterthe fit within the defect 160 has been evaluated in favor of adifferently sized device 10. An example of a terminal aneurysm 160 isshown in FIG. 23 in section. The tip 151 of a catheter, such as amicrocatheter 61 may be advanced into or adjacent the vascular site ordefect 160 (e.g. aneurysm) as shown in FIG. 24. For some embodiments, anembolic coil or other vaso-occlusive device or material 176 (as shownfor example in FIG. 19) may optionally be placed within the aneurysm 160to provide a framework for receiving the device 10. In addition, a stent173 may be placed within a parent vessel 174 of some aneurysmssubstantially crossing the aneurysm neck prior to or during delivery ofdevices for treatment of a patient's vasculature discussed herein (alsoas shown for example in FIG. 19). An example of a suitable microcatheter61 having an inner lumen diameter of about 0.020 inches to about 0.022inches is the Rapid Transit® manufactured by Cordis Corporation.Examples of some suitable microcatheters 61 may include microcathetershaving an inner lumen diameter of about 0.026 inch to about 0.028 inch,such as the Rebar® by Ev3 Company, the Renegade Hi-Flow® by BostonScientific Corporation, and the Mass Transit® by Cordis Corporation.Suitable microcatheters having an inner lumen diameter of about 0.031inch to about 0.033 inch may include the Marksmen® by Chestnut MedicalTechnologies, Inc. and the Vasco 28® by Balt Extrusion. A suitablemicrocatheter 61 having an inner lumen diameter of about 0.039 inch toabout 0.041 inch includes the Vasco 35 by Balt Extrusion. Thesemicrocatheters 61 are listed as exemplary embodiments only, othersuitable microcatheters may also be used with any of the embodimentsdiscussed herein.

Detachment of the device 10 from the delivery apparatus 110 may becontrolled by a control switch 188 disposed at a proximal end of thedelivery system 112, which may also be coupled to an energy source 142,which severs the tether 72 that secures the proximal hub 68 of thedevice 10 to the delivery apparatus 110. While disposed within themicrocatheter 61 or other suitable delivery system 112, as shown in FIG.11, the filaments 14 of the permeable shell 40 may take on an elongated,non-everted configuration substantially parallel to each other and alongitudinal axis of the catheter 61. Once the device 10 is pushed outof the distal port of the microcatheter 61, or the radial constraint isotherwise removed, the distal ends 62 of the filaments 14 may thenaxially contract towards each other so as to assume the globular evertedconfiguration within the vascular defect 160 as shown in FIG. 25.

The device 10 may be inserted through the microcatheter 61 such that thecatheter lumen 120 restrains radial expansion of the device 10 duringdelivery. Once the distal tip or deployment port of the delivery system112 is positioned in a desirable location adjacent or within a vasculardefect 160, the device 10 may be deployed out the distal end of thecatheter 61 thus allowing the device to begin to radially expand asshown in FIG. 25. As the device 10 emerges from the distal end of thedelivery system 112, the device 10 expands to an expanded state withinthe vascular defect 160, but may be at least partially constrained by aninterior surface of the vascular defect 160.

Upon full deployment, radial expansion of the device 10 may serve tosecure the device 10 within the vascular defect 160 and also deploy thepermeable shell 40 across at least a portion of an opening 190 (e.g.aneurysm neck) so as to at least partially isolate the vascular defect160 from flow, pressure or both of the patient's vasculature adjacentthe vascular defect 160 as shown in FIG. 26. The conformability of thedevice 10, particularly in the neck region 190 may provide for improvedsealing. For some embodiments, once deployed, the permeable shell 40 maysubstantially slow flow of fluids and impede flow into the vascular siteand thus reduce pressure within the vascular defect 160. For someembodiments, the device 10 may be implanted substantially within thevascular defect 160, however, in some embodiments, a portion of thedevice 10 may extend into the defect opening or neck 190 or into branchvessels.

Once the device 10 has been deployed in the vascular defect, theisolation of the defect, slowing of flow, reduce pressure or anycombination of these effects may case thrombus formation within aninterior volume of the device 10, outside the device 10 or on the deviceitself or some component thereof. FIG. 26A illustrates thrombusformation on filaments of the permeable shell 40 of the device 10 insection. As thrombus 191 forms on the filaments 14, portions of thethrombus material 191 are disposed within an interior volume of thepermeable shell, external to an outer surface of the permeable shell andbetween adjacent filaments of the permeable shell. As the thrombusmaterial 191 continues to form on the filaments 14, the size of thepores 64 between the filaments 14 will begin to decrease, furtherslowing a flow of blood therethrough. Thrombus 191 may also form withinthe interior volume of the permeable shell in free space not in contactwith the actual structure of the permeable shell. As thrombus formationcontinues on the filaments 14 over time after deployment of the device10, the pores 64 between the filaments will eventually be closed off, asshown in FIG. 26B. The effects of such a process are also shown in FIGS.59A-59D which are discussed below. The thrombus or clot formationprocess illustrated in FIGS. 26A and 26B may occur in a similar manneron any of the device embodiments or portions thereof discussed herein.In particular, such thrombus formation 191 may occur on the filaments 14of the shell, inner structures or any other suitable portion of deviceembodiments 251, 266, 280, 298, 310, 336, 360, 370, 376 or 390.

One exemplary case study that has been conducted includes a procedureperformed on a female canine where an aneurysm was surgically created inthe subject canine. The target aneurysm prior to treatment had a maximumtransverse dimension of about 8 mm, a length of about 10 mm and a neckmeasurement of about 5.6 mm. The device 10 deployed included a permeableshell 40 formed of 144 resilient filaments having a transverse diameterof about 0.0015 inches braided into a globular structure having atransverse dimension of about 10 mm and a longitudinal length of about 7mm in a relaxed expanded state. The maximum size 100 of the pores 64 ofthe expanded deployed permeable shell 40 was about 0.013 inches. Thedevice was delivered to the target aneurysm using a 5 Fr. Guider SoftipXF guide catheter made by Boston Scientific. The maximum size 100 of thepores 64 of the portion of the expanded deployed permeable shell 40 thatspanned the neck of the aneurysm again was about 0.013 inches. Fiveminutes after detachment from the delivery system, the device 10 hadproduced acute occlusion of the aneurysm.

Another exemplary case study conducted involved treatment of asurgically created aneurysm in a New Zealand White Rabbit. The targetaneurysm prior to treatment had a maximum transverse dimension of about3.6 mm, length of about 5.8 mm and a neck measurement of about 3.4 mm.The device 10 deployed included a permeable shell formed of 144resilient filaments having a transverse diameter of about 0.001 inchesbraided into a globular structure having a transverse dimension of about4 mm and a length of about 5 mm in a relaxed expanded state. The poresize 100 of the portion of the braided mesh of the expanded deployedpermeable shell 40 that was configured to span the neck of the vasculardefect was about 0.005 inches. The device was delivered to thesurgically created aneurysm with a 5 Fr. Envoy STR guide cathetermanufactured by Cordis Neurovascular. A Renegade Hi-Flo microcathetermanufactured by Boston Scientific having an inner lumen diameter ofabout 0.027 inches was then inserted through the guide catheter andserved as a conduit for delivery of the device 10 secured to a distalend of a delivery apparatus. Once the device 10 was deployed within thevascular defect 160, the vascular defect 160 achieved at least partialocclusion at 5 minutes from implantation. However, due to thesensitivity of the subject animal to angiographic injection andmeasurement, no further data was taken during the procedure. Completeocclusion was observed for the device when examined at 3 weeks from theprocedure.

For some embodiments, as discussed above, the device 10 may bemanipulated by the user to position the device 10 within the vascularsite or defect 160 during or after deployment but prior to detachment.For some embodiments, the device 10 may be rotated in order to achieve adesired position of the device 10 and, more specifically, a desiredposition of the permeable shell 40, prior to or during deployment of thedevice 10. For some embodiments, the device 10 may be rotated about alongitudinal axis of the delivery system 112 with or without thetransmission or manifestation of torque being exhibited along a middleportion of a delivery catheter being used for the delivery. It may bedesirable in some circumstances to determine whether acute occlusion ofthe vascular defect 160 has occurred prior to detachment of the device10 from the delivery apparatus 110 of the delivery system 112. Thesedelivery and deployment methods may be used for deployment within berryaneurysms, terminal aneurysms, or any other suitable vascular defectembodiments 160. Some method embodiments include deploying the device 10at a confluence of three vessels of the patient's vasculature that forma bifurcation such that the permeable shell 40 of the device 10substantially covers the neck of a terminal aneurysm. Once the physicianis satisfied with the deployment, size and position of the device 10,the device 10 may then be detached by actuation of the control switch188 by the methods described above and shown in FIG. 26. Thereafter, thedevice 10 is in an implanted state within the vascular defect 160 toeffect treatment thereof.

FIG. 27 illustrates another configuration of a deployed and implanteddevice in a patient's vascular defect 160. While the implantationconfiguration shown in FIG. 26 indicates a configuration whereby thelongitudinal axis 46 of the device 10 is substantially aligned with alongitudinal axis of the defect 160, other suitable and clinicallyeffective implantation embodiments may be used. For example, FIG. 27shows an implantation embodiment whereby the longitudinal axis 46 of theimplanted device 10 is canted at an angle of about 10 degrees to about90 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the target vascular defect160. Such an alternative implantation configuration may also be usefulin achieving a desired clinical outcome with acute occlusion of thevascular defect 160 in some cases and restoration of normal blood flowadjacent the treated vascular defect. FIG. 28 illustrates a device 10implanted in an irregularly shaped vascular defect 160. The aneurysm 160shown has at least two distinct lobes 192 extending from the mainaneurysm cavity. The two lobes 192 shown are unfilled by the deployedvascular device 10, yet the lobes 192 are still isolated from the parentvessel of the patient's body due to the occlusion of the aneurysm neckportion 190.

Markers, such as radiopaque markers, on the device 10 or delivery system112 may be used in conjunction with external imaging equipment (e.g.x-ray) to facilitate positioning of the device or delivery system duringdeployment. Once the device is properly positioned, the device 10 may bedetached by the user. For some embodiments, the detachment of the device10 from the delivery apparatus 110 of the delivery system 112 may beaffected by the delivery of energy (e.g. heat, radiofrequency,ultrasound, vibrational, or laser) to a junction or release mechanismbetween the device 10 and the delivery apparatus 110. Once the device 10has been detached, the delivery system 112 may be withdrawn from thepatient's vasculature or patient's body 158. For some embodiments, astent 173 may be place within the parent vessel substantially crossingthe aneurysm neck 190 after delivery of the device 10 as shown in FIG.19 for illustration.

For some embodiments, a biologically active agent or a passivetherapeutic agent may be released from a responsive material componentof the device 10. The agent release may be affected by one or more ofthe body's environmental parameters or energy may be delivered (from aninternal or external source) to the device 10. Hemostasis may occurwithin the vascular defect 160 as a result of the isolation of thevascular defect 160, ultimately leading to clotting and substantialocclusion of the vascular defect 160 by a combination of thromboticmaterial and the device 10. For some embodiments, thrombosis within thevascular defect 160 may be facilitated by agents released from thedevice 10 and/or drugs or other therapeutic agents delivered to thepatient.

For some embodiments, once the device 10 has been deployed, theattachment of platelets to the permeable shell 40 may be inhibited andthe formation of clot within an interior space of the vascular defect160, device, or both promoted or otherwise facilitated with a suitablechoice of thrombogenic coatings, anti-thrombogenic coatings or any othersuitable coatings (not shown) which may be disposed on any portion ofthe device 10 for some embodiments, including an outer surface of thefilaments 14 or the hubs 66 and 68. Such a coating or coatings may beapplied to any suitable portion of the permeable shell 40. Energy formsmay also be applied through the delivery apparatus 110 and/or a separatecatheter to facilitate fixation and/or healing of the device 10 adjacentthe vascular defect 160 for some embodiments. One or more embolicdevices or embolic material 176 may also optionally be delivered intothe vascular defect 160 adjacent permeable shell portion that spans theneck or opening 190 of the vascular defect 160 after the device 10 hasbeen deployed. For some embodiments, a stent or stent-like supportdevice 173 may be implanted or deployed in a parent vessel adjacent thedefect 160 such that it spans across the vascular defect 160 prior to orafter deployment of the vascular defect treatment device 10.

In any of the above embodiments, the device 10 may have sufficientradial compliance so as to be readily retrievable or retractable into atypical microcatheter 61. The proximal portion of the device 10, or thedevice as a whole for some embodiments, may be engineered or modified bythe use of reduced diameter filaments, tapered filaments, or filamentsoriented for radial flexure so that the device 10 is retractable into atube that has an internal diameter that is less than about 0.7 mm, usinga retraction force less than about 2.7 Newtons (0.6 lbf) force. Theforce for retrieving the device 10 into a microcatheter 61 may bebetween about 0.8 Newtons (0.18 lbf) and about 2.25 Newtons (0.5 lbf).

Engagement of the permeable shell 40 with tissue of an inner surface ofa vascular defect 160, when in an expanded relaxed state, may beachieved by the exertion of an outward radial force against tissue ofthe inside surface of the cavity of the patient's vascular defect 160 asshown in FIG. 29. A similar outward radial force may also be applied bya proximal end portion and permeable shell 40 of the device 10 so as toengage the permeable shell 40 with an inside surface or adjacent tissueof the vascular defect 160. Such forces may be exerted in someembodiments wherein the nominal outer transverse dimension or diameterof the permeable shell 40 in the relaxed unconstrained state is largerthan the nominal inner transverse dimension of the vascular defect 160within which the device 10 is being deployed, i.e., oversizing asdiscussed above. The elastic resiliency of the permeable shell 40 andfilaments 14 thereof may be achieved by an appropriate selection ofmaterials, such as superelastic alloys, including nickel titaniumalloys, or any other suitable material for some embodiments. Theconformability of a proximal portion of the permeable shell 40 of thedevice 10 may be such that it will readily ovalize to adapt to the shapeand size of an aneurysm neck 190, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, thusproviding a good seal and barrier to flow around the device. Thus thedevice 10 may achieve a good seal, substantially preventing flow aroundthe device without the need for fixation members that protrude into theparent vessel.

Some implanted device embodiments 10 have the ends of the filaments 14of the permeable shell 40 disposed even with or just within a planeformed by the apices of the filaments disposed adjacent to the ends.Some embodiments of the device 10 may also include a sealing memberdisposed within or about a perimeter zone 198 or other suitable portionof the permeable shell 40 and be configured to facilitate the disruptionof flow, a fibrotic tissue response, or physically form a seal betweenthe permeable shell 40 and a surface of the patient's vasculature. Thesealing member may comprise coatings, fibers or surface treatments asdescribed herein. The sealing member may be in a part or all of an areaof the periphery of the device adjacent where the device contacts thewall of the aneurysm near the aneurysm neck (sealing zone 198) as shownin FIGS. 29 and 30. The zone may extend from about the apex of the outerproximal end radius 88 for a distance up to about 20% of the height ofthe expanded device 10. The sealing zone 198 may include between about5% and 30% of the device 10 surface area. Since the flow of blood intoan aneurysm 160 generally favors one side of the opening, the sealingmember may be incorporated in or attached to the permeable shell 40structure throughout the peripheral area (sealing zone 198) shown inFIG. 30. Some embodiments of the sealing member may include a swellablepolymer. In some embodiments, the sealing member may include orbioactive material or agent such as a biologic material orbiodegradable, bioresorbable or other bioactive polymer or copolymersthereof

Any embodiment of devices for treatment of a patient's vasculature 10,delivery system 112 for such devices 10 or both discussed herein may beadapted to deliver energy to the device for treatment of a patient'svasculature or to tissue surrounding the device 10 at the implant sitefor the purpose of facilitating fixation of a device 10, healing oftissue adjacent the device or both. In some embodiments, energy may bedelivered through a delivery system 112 to the device 10 for treatmentof a patient's vasculature such that the device 10 is heated. In someembodiments, energy may be delivered via a separate elongate instrument(e.g. catheter, not shown) to the device 10 for treatment of a patient'svasculature and/or surrounding tissue at the site of the implant 154.Examples of energy embodiments that may be delivered include but are notlimited to light energy, thermal or vibration energy, electromagneticenergy, radio frequency energy and ultrasonic energy. For someembodiments, energy delivered to the device 10 may trigger the releaseof chemical or biologic agents to promote fixation of a device fortreatment of a patient's vasculature 10 to a patient's tissue, healingof tissue disposed adjacent such a device 10 or both.

The permeable shell 40 of some device embodiments 10 may also beconfigured to react to the delivery of energy to effect a change in themechanical or structural characteristics, deliver drugs or otherbioactive agents or transfer heat to the surrounding tissue. Forexample, some device embodiments 10 may be made softer or more rigidfrom the use of materials that change properties when exposed toelectromagnetic energy (e.g. heat, light, or radio frequency energy). Insome cases, the permeable shell 40 may include a polymer that reacts inresponse to physiologic fluids by expanding. An exemplary material isdescribed by Cox in U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0186562, filed Jan.22, 2004, titled “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Device embodiments 10 and components thereof discussed herein may takeon a large variety of configurations to achieve specific or generallydesirable clinical results. In some device embodiments 10, the start ofthe braided structure of the permeable shell 40 may be delayed from theproximal hub 68 so that the filaments 1 emanate from the proximal hub 68in a spoke-like radial fashion as shown in the proximal end view of adevice in FIG. 31. A flattened analog version of the braid pattern ofFIG. 31 is also shown in FIG. 33. This configuration may result in asmaller width gap between the filaments 14 at a given radial distancefrom the proximal hub 68 relative to a fully braided configuration, theflattened analog pattern of which is shown in FIG. 34. This may providebetter flow disruption and promote hemostasis in the area of the device10 that may be subjected to the highest flow rates. FIG. 32 illustratesa flattened analog representation of a non-braided filament structurefor reference.

The woven structure may include a portion where the weave or braid ofthe filaments 14 is interrupted as shown in a flat pattern analogpattern in FIG. 35. In the interrupted region, the filaments 14 may besubstantially parallel to each other. The interrupted area may provide aregion with different mechanical characteristics such as radialstiffness and/or compliance. Further, the interrupted region may allowfor the addition of non-structural fibers or sealing members 200 asdescribed herein or other elements to facilitate fixation, healing,fibrosis or thrombosis. The interrupted region may be within, part of oradjacent to the sealing member zone 198 as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. Theinterrupted region may be less than about 50% of the surface area andmay be between about 5% and 25% of the surface area.

In some embodiments, filamentary or fibrous members that may besubstantially non-structural may be attached or interwoven into thestructural filaments of a portion of the permeable shell to increase aresistance to the flow of blood through the permeable shell structure 40or enhance the formation of thrombus and/or healing of the tissue aroundthe device. In some embodiments, a plurality of fibers 200 may beattached on the inner surface of the permeable shell 40 near theproximal hub 68 as shown in FIG. 36. The fibrous members 200 may be thefibers that form the detachment system tether for some embodiments. Insome embodiments, one or more fibers 200 may be interwoven into thepermeable shell filaments 14 as shown in FIG. 37. The non-structuralfibers 200, which may be microfibers or any other suitable fibers, maybe polymeric. The non-structural fibers 200 may include, but not limitedto, any of the fibers or microfibers discussed or incorporated herein.

In some cases, device embodiments for treatment of a patient'svasculature 10 may generally be fabricated by braiding a substantiallytubular braided structure with filamentary elements 14, forming thebraided tubular structure into a desired shape, and heat setting thebraided formed filaments into the desired shape. Once so formed, theends of the elongate resilient filaments 14 may then be secured togetherrelative to each other by any of the methods discussed above andproximal and distal hubs 66 and 68 added.

Such a braiding process may be carried out by automated machinefabrication or may also be performed by hand. An embodiment of a processfor braiding a tubular braided structure by a manual process is shown inFIG. 38. A plurality of elongate resilient filaments 14 are secured atone end of an elongate cylindrical braiding mandrel 202 by aconstraining band 204. The band 204 may include any suitable structurethat secured the ends of the filaments 14 relative to the mandrel 202such as a band of adhesive tape, an elastic band, an annular clamp orthe like. The loose ends of the filaments 14 opposite the secured endsare being manipulated in a braided or woven pattern as indicated by thearrows 206 to achieve a one over-one under braid pattern for generationof a braided tubular member 208. As discussed above, although a oneover-one under simple braid pattern is shown and discussed, other braidor weave patterns may also be used. One such example of another braidconfiguration may include a two over-one under pattern. FIG. 39illustrates the braided tubular member 208 taking shape and lengtheningas the braiding process continues as indicated by the arrows 206 in FIG.39. Once the braided tubular member 208 achieves sufficient length, itmay be removed from the braiding mandrel 202 and positioned within ashaping fixture such as the shaping fixture embodiments shown in FIGS.40 and 41.

FIG. 40 shows the tubular braided member 208 disposed over an internalrod mandrel 210 that extends through central lumens of an internal ballmandrel 212 and a pair of opposed recessed end forming mandrels 214. Thetubular braided member 208 is also disposed over an outer surface of theinternal ball mandrel 212 and within an inner lumen of each of the endforming mandrels 214. In order to hold the braided tubular member 208onto an outer surface contour of the internal ball mandrel 212,including the recessed ends 216 thereof, the end forming mandrels 214are configured to be pushed against and into the recessed ends 216 ofthe internal ball mandrel 212 such that the inside surface of thebraided tubular member 208 is held against the outer contour of theinternal ball mandrel 212 and fixed in place. This entire fixture 220with the inside surface of the braided tubular structure 208 heldagainst the outside surface of the internal ball mandrel 212 may then besubjected to an appropriate heat treatment such that the resilientfilaments 14 of the braided tubular member 208 assume or are otherwiseshape-set to the outer contour of the central ball mandrel 212. In someembodiments, the filamentary elements 14 of the permeable shell 40 maybe held by a fixture configured to hold the permeable shell 40 in adesired shape and heated to about 475-525 degrees C. for about 5-10minutes to shape-set the structure.

The central ball mandrel 212 may be configured to have any desired shapeso as to produce a shape set tubular braided member 208 that forms apermeable shell 40 having a desired shape and size such as the globularconfiguration of the device 10 of FIG. 3-6 above, or any other suitableconfiguration. As such, the central ball mandrel 212 may also be aglobular-shaped ball with recesses in opposing sides for the hubs 66 and68 that is placed inside the tubular braid 208. A mold or molds thathave one or more pieces that are assembled to form a cavity with thedesired device shape may also be used in conjunction with or in place ofthe end forming mandrels 214. Once the heat set process in complete,fibers, coatings, surface treatments may be added to certain filaments,portions of filaments, or all of the permeable shell 40 structure thatresults. Further, for some embodiments of device processing, thepermeable shell 40 may be formed as discussed above by securing proximalends 60 and distal ends 62 of elongate filamentary elements 14, or torespective proximal and distal hubs 66 and 68.

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of a fixture for shape setting thepermeable shell 40 of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature.The fixture embodiment 230 of FIG. 41 may be used in essentially thesame manner as the fixture embodiment 220 of FIG. 40, except thatinstead of a central ball mandrel 212, an internal tube mandrel 232 isused in conjunction with an external tube restraint 234 in order to holdthe shape of the braided tubular member 208 during the heat settingprocess. More specifically, the tubular braided member 208 is disposedover an internal rod mandrel 210 that extends through central lumens ofthe internal tube mandrel 232 and a pair of opposed recessed end formingmandrels 214. The tubular braided member 208 is also disposed over anouter surface of the internal tube mandrel 232 and within an inner lumenof each of the end forming mandrels 214.

In order to hold the braided tubular member 208 into a desired shape,including the recessed ends thereof, the end forming mandrels 214 areconfigured to be pushed against and into recessed ends 238 of theinternal tube mandrel 232 such that the inside surface of the braidedtubular member 208 is held against the outer contour of the internaltube mandrel 232 and fixed in place at the ends of the tube mandrel 232.Between the ends of the tube mandrel 232, the braided tubular member 208radially expands outwardly until it touches and is radially constrainedby an inside surface of an external tube mandrel 234. The combination ofaxial restraint and securement of the braided tubular member 208 at theends of the internal tube mandrel 232 in conjunction with the inwardradial restraint on an outside surface of the braided tubular member 208disposed between the proximal and distal ends thereof, may be configuredto produce a desired globular configuration suitable for the permeableshell 40 of the device 10.

Once again, this entire fixture 230 with the inside surface of the endsof the braided tubular structure 208 held against the outside surface ofthe ends of the internal tube mandrel 232 and an outside surface of thebraided tubular member 208 radially constrained by an inside surface 233of the external tube member 234, may then be subjected to an appropriateheat treatment. The heat treatment may be configured such that theresilient filaments 14 of the braided tubular member 208 assume or areotherwise shape-set to the globular contour of the filaments 14generated by the fixture 230. In some embodiments, the filamentaryelements 14 of the permeable shell 40 may be held by a fixtureconfigured to hold the braided tubular member 208 in a desired shape andheated to about 475-525 degrees C. for about 5-10 minutes to shape-setthe structure. The internal tube mandrel 232 and inside surface 233 ofthe external tube member 234 may be so configured to have any desiredshape so as to produce a shape set tubular braided member 208 that formsa permeable shell 40 having a desired shape and size such as theglobular configuration of the device of FIG. 3-6 above, or any othersuitable configuration.

For some embodiments, material may be attached to filaments 14 of thepermeable shell 40 of a device 10 such that it substantially reduces thesize of the fenestrations, cells or pores 64 between filaments 14 andthus reduces the porosity in that area. For example, coating embodimentsmay be disposed on portions of the filaments 14 to create smallfenestrations or cells and thus higher density of the permeable shell40. Active materials such as a responsive hydrogel may be attached orotherwise incorporated into permeable shell 40 of some embodiments suchthat it swells upon contact with liquids over time to reduce theporosity of the permeable shell 40.

Device embodiment 10 and any other suitable device embodiment discussedherein may be coated with various polymers to enhance it performance,fixation and/or biocompatibility. In addition, device embodiments 10 maybe made of various biomaterials known in the art of implant devicesincluding but not limited to polymers, metals, biological materials andcomposites thereof. Device embodiments discussed herein may includecells and/or other biologic material to promote healing. Deviceembodiments discussed herein may also be constructed to provide theelution or delivery of one or more beneficial drugs, other bioactivesubstances or both into the blood or the surrounding tissue.

In some cases, permeable shell embodiments 40 of devices for treatmentof a patient's vasculature 10 may include multiple layers. A first orouter layer may be constructed from a material with low bioactivity andhemocompatibility so as to minimize platelet aggregation or attachmentand thus the propensity to form clot and thrombus. Optionally, an outerlayer may be coated or incorporate an antithrombogenic agent such asheparin or other antithrombogenic agents described herein or known inthe art. One or more inner layers disposed towards the vascular defectin a deployed state relative to the first layer may be constructed ofmaterials that have greater bioactivity and/or promote clotting and thusenhance the formation of an occlusive mass of clot and device within thevascular defect. Some materials that have been shown to have bioactivityand/or promote clotting include silk, polylactic acid (PLA),polyglycolic acid (PGA), collagen, alginate, fibrin, fibrinogen,fibronectin, Methylcellulose, gelatin, Small Intestinal Submucosa (SIS),poly-N-acetylglucosamine and copolymers or composites thereof.

Bioactive agents suitable for use in the embodiments discussed hereinmay include those having a specific action within the body as well asthose having nonspecific actions. Specific action agents are typicallyproteinaceous, including thrombogenic types and/or forms of collagen,thrombin and fibrogen (each of which may provide an optimal combinationof activity and cost), as well as elastin and von Willebrand factor(which may tend to be less active and/or expensive agents), and activeportions and domains of each of these agents. Thrombogenic proteinstypically act by means of a specific interaction with either plateletsor enzymes that participate in a cascade of events leading eventually toclot formation. Agents having nonspecific thrombogenic action aregenerally positively charged molecules, e.g., polymeric molecules suchas chitosan, polylysine, poly(ethylenimine) or acrylics polymerized fromacrylimide or methacrylamide which incorporate positively-charged groupsin the form of primary, secondary, or tertiary amines or quarternarysalts, or non-polymeric agents such as (tridodecylmethylammoniumchloride). Positively charged hemostatic agents promote clot formationby a non-specific mechanism, which includes the physical adsorption ofplatelets via ionic interactions between the negative charges on thesurfaces of the platelets and the positive charges of the agentsthemselves.

Device embodiment 10 and any other suitable device embodiment discussedherein may include a surface treatment or coating on a portion, side orall surfaces that promotes or inhibits thrombosis, clotting, healing orother embolization performance measure. The surface treatment or coatingmay be a synthetic, biologic or combination thereof. For someembodiments, at least a portion of an inner surface of the permeableshell 40 may have a surface treatment or coating made of a biodegradableor bioresorbable material such as a polylactide, polyglycolide or acopolymer thereof. Another surface treatment or coating material whichmay enhance the embolization performance of a device includes apolysachharide such as an alginate based material. Some coatingembodiments may include extracellular matrix proteins such as ECMproteins. One example of such a coating may be Finale Prohealing coatingwhich is commercially available from Surmodics Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn.Another exemplary coating may be Polyzene-F which is commerciallyavailable from CeloNovo BioSciences, Inc., Newnan, Ga. In someembodiments, the coatings may be applied with a thickness that is lessthan about 25% of a transverse dimension of the filaments 14.

Antiplatelet agents may include aspirin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptorinhibitors (including, abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, lamifiban,fradafiban, cromafiban, toxifiban, XV454, lefradafiban, klerval,lotrafiban, orbofiban, and xemilofiban), dipyridamole, apo-dipyridamole,persantine, prostacyclin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, cromafiban,cilostazol, and nitric oxide. To deliver nitric oxide, deviceembodiments may include a polymer that releases nitric oxide. Deviceembodiments 10 may also deliver or include an anticoagulant such asheparin, low molecular weight heparin, hirudin, warfarin, bivalirudin,hirudin, argatroban, forskolin, ximelagatran, vapiprost, prostacyclinand prostacyclin analogues, dextran, synthetic antithrombin, Vasoflux,argatroban, efegatran, tick anticoagulant peptide, Ppack, HMG-CoAreductase inhibitors, and thromboxane A2 receptor inhibitors.

In some embodiments, the permeable shell 40 of a device 10 may be coatedwith a composition that may include nanoscale structured materials orprecursors thereof (e.g., self-assembling peptides). The peptides mayhave with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers that allowthem to self-assemble under physiological conditions. The compositionmay comprise a sequence of amino acid residues. In some embodiments, thepermeable shell may include a thin metallic film material. The thin filmmetal may be fabricated by sputter deposition and may be formed inmultiple layers. The thin film may be a nickel-titanium alloy also knownas nitinol.

FIGS. 42-49 illustrate device embodiments for treatment of a patient'svasculature that may be deployed by the same or similar methods anddevices as those discussed above. The device embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 42-49 may have some or all of the suitable features, dimensionsand materials as those of the device embodiments discussed above. Insome instances, saccular aneurysms may have a generally circular flowdynamic of blood as indicated by arrows 250 shown in FIG. 42. While theshell of a single layer device, such as device 10, slows flow into theaneurysm, thrombosis and embolization may be further enhanced by aninternal porous structure. In particular, a structure that is formed sothat the circular flow 250, and in particular the highest velocityregion is forced to pass through one or more porous layers may have asynergistic treatment effect and promote rapid thrombosis. In someembodiments, the device 251 may include a shell 252 of filamentarymembers 14 and an inner structure 254 of filamentary members 14 as shownin FIGS. 43A and 43B.

Both the shell 252 and inner structure 254 as well as other componentsof device 251 may have the same or similar features, dimensions ormaterials as those of device 10 or any other suitable device orcomponent thereof discussed herein, including embodiments 266, 280, 290,310, 336, 360, 370, 376 and 390. In particular, the mesh or wovenstructure of the shell 252 and inner structure 254 may have the same orsimilar filament configuration, pore size, radial stiffness, collapsedprofile etc. as device 10 discussed above as well as the otherembodiments. Device 251 may also be manufactured or deployed by the sameor similar methods as those discussed above with respect to themanufacture and deployment of device 10 as well as the deploymentmethods discussed below.

In some embodiments, the inner structure 254 forms a shape that has atleast a portion which parallels the shell 252. The distal ends of theinner structure members or filaments 14 may be connected to the shellmembers at a distal shell hub 256. Proximal ends of the filaments 14 maybe similarly connected by a proximal shell hub 258. The inner structure254 may have a collapsed length that is substantially the same as thecollapsed length of the outer shell 252 as shown in FIGS. 43C and 43D.If the inner structure 254 has a substantially longer collapsed lengththan the shell 252, buckling may occur when the shell 252 and innerstructure 254 are collapsed. If the inner structure 254 has a lengthsubstantially shorter collapsed length than the shell 252, it mayrestrict collapse of the shell 252 as it will be fully elongated beforethe shell. With a substantially similar length, collapse of the shell252 will not be significantly restricted and buckling of the innerstructure 254 will be minimized. Any buckling would result in anincrease of the collapsed device volume and thus increase the diameterof the catheter required for delivery. The inner structure 254 may havean overall shape, including but not limited to a sphere, ovoid, conical,or barrel-like shape. Alternatively, an inner structure 260 disposedwithin shell 252 may have a random or irregular shape as shown in theembodiment of FIG. 44. The inner structure filaments 14 shown in innerstructure 260 of the device embodiment of FIG. 44 may also have a numberof undulations, convexities or concavities. These undulations may act asinternal baffles to intra-device blood flow increasing the hemostaticperformance of the device.

In some device embodiments, the undulations of the filamentary members14 of a woven inner structure embodiment 262 disposed within the shell252 may also form a radial groove or depression 264 around thecircumference of the inner structure 262 as shown in the deviceembodiment 266 of FIGS. 45A and 45B. In some embodiments, the smallesttransverse diameter or distance through the device center between twodiametrically opposed concavities may be less than about 80% of thenominal device diameter. In many aneurysms, the highest flow velocitieswould typically be near the periphery of the aneurysm 160 a shortdistance from the aneurysm wall. Thus, the undulations would providemultiple porous layers through which the highest velocity blood mustpass. Therefore, the inner structure 262 may provide baffling and flowdisruption in the region of the aneurysm 160 most needed to achieverapid embolization. In some embodiments, the inner structure 262 maytouch or lay against one or more portions of the shell 252. As shown inFIG. 46, the inner structure 262 of device 266 may be in close proximityor even touching the shell 252 in the area 268 where the shell 252engages an aneurysm neck. This close proximity would have the effect ofdecreasing the porosity in that region 268 which may be the in-flow zoneor region of highest flow into the aneurysm 160. Thus the innerstructure 262 may enhance the flow reduction into the aneurysm 160. Aclose proximity inner structure 262 may also provide increased stiffnessin the area 268 where the device is adjacent to and seals the neck oropening of an aneurysm 160.

In some embodiments of devices for treatment of a patient's vasculature,the inner structure 262 may be formed so that at least about 10% of itsmass is contained within an “inner volume” 270 of the shell, defined asthe volume created by the internal 80% of the shell volume as shown inFIG. 47. In some embodiments, the inner structure 272 forms anundulating shape that alternates between concave surfaces 274 and convexsurfaces 276 substantially within a zone defined by the outermost 75% ofthe internal volume 278 of the shell 252 as shown in FIG. 48.

Both the shell and inner structure as well as other components of device266 may have the same or similar features, dimensions or materials asthose of device 10 or any other suitable device or component thereofdiscussed herein, including embodiments 251, 280, 290, 310, 336, 360,370, 376 and 390. In particular, the mesh or woven structure of theshell 252 and inner structure 262 may have the same or similar filamentconfiguration, pore size, radial stiffness, collapsed profile etc. asdevice 10 discussed above as well as the other embodiments. Device 266may also be manufactured or deployed by the same or similar methods asthose discussed above with respect to the manufacture and deployment ofdevice 10 as well as the deployment methods discussed below.

FIG. 49 illustrates an embodiment of a device for treatment of apatient's vasculature 280 having an inner structure 282 that does notconform to all of the inner surface 284 of an outer structure or shell252 of the device 280. In some embodiments, the inner structure 282 mayhave a disk-like shape. In some embodiments, the inner structure 282 mayhave a torus-like shape as shown in FIG. 49. In some embodiments, theinner structure 282 may include a column of wires 286 that form acylindrical support substantially along a vertical axis of the device280. This support member 286 may serve to facilitate the stability ofthe inner structure 282 within the lower half of the shell. Both theshell 252 and inner structure 282 as well as other components of device280 may have the same or similar features, dimensions or materials asthose of device 10 or any other suitable device or component thereofdiscussed herein, including embodiments 251, 266, 290, 310, 336, 360,370, 376 and 390. In particular, the mesh or woven structure of theshell 252 and inner structure 282 may have the same or similar filamentconfiguration, pore size, radial stiffness, collapsed profile etc. asdevice 10 discussed above as well as the other embodiments. Device 280may also be manufactured or deployed by the same or similar methods asthose discussed above with respect to the manufacture and deployment ofdevice 10 as well as the deployment methods discussed below.

Now referring to FIGS. 50-54, other embodiments of a device fortreatment of a patient's vasculature are illustrated. In someembodiments a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature 290includes a self-expanding resilient permeable structure 292 having aproximal end 294, a distal end 296, and a longitudinal axis 298. Thepermeable structure 292 may have a radially constrained elongated stateconfigured for delivery within a microcatheter 61. In an expandedrelaxed state the permeable structure 292 may have a globular andlongitudinally shortened configuration relative to the radiallyconstrained state and extends along the longitudinal axis 298 betweenthe proximal end 294 and distal end 296. The permeable structure 292 mayfurther include a plurality of elongate resilient filaments 14 securedrelative to each other at either or both the proximal ends and distalends 294 and 296 of the structure. The filaments form a resilientpermeable shell 292 having proximal and distal ends 294 and 296 anddefining a cavity or interior volume 300 and at least one innerstructure 302 disposable within the cavity 300 of the shell 292. Theresilient filaments 14 forming the shell 292 and the at least one innerstructure 302 may be contiguous with one another as shown in FIG. 50A.

In some embodiments, the inner structure 302 passes through acylindrical member or hub 304 that is attached to the proximal end 294of the shell 292 as shown in FIGS. 50 and 50A. In this embodiment, theshell 292 and inner structure 302 are formed from a contiguous flexibleelongate member, such as a tubular braid, that is inverted at one ormore ends. A distal hub or marker 306 may be placed on the portion ofthe filaments where they come together just below the inverted portionof the shell within the shell cavity. Various methods of connecting theshell filaments 14 to the cylindrical member 304 may be employedincluding welding, soldering and the like as described herein. In theembodiment shown, the shell 292 and the inner filaments or structure 302form different contours.

In some embodiments, the distal hub or marker 306 may be positionedbelow the top or distal surface 296 of the device 290 at a distance fromthe most distal surface which may be at least about 10% of the deviceheight as indicated by arrow 308. In some embodiments, the distal hub ormarker 306 may be positioned just below the top or distal surface 296 ofthe device at a distance which is less than about 10% of the deviceheight. Both the shell 292 and inner structure 302 of device 290 mayhave the same or similar features, dimensions or materials as those ofdevice 10 or any other suitable device or component thereof discussedherein, including embodiments 251, 266, 280, 310, 336, 360, 370, 376 and390. In particular, the mesh or woven structure of the shell 292 andinner structure 302 may have the same or similar filament configuration,pore size, radial stiffness, collapsed profile etc. as device 10discussed above as well as the other embodiments. Device 290 may also bemanufactured or deployed by the same or similar methods as thosediscussed above with respect to the manufacture and deployment of device10 as well as the deployment methods discussed below.

FIGS. 51-51B show an embodiment of a device for treatment of a patient'svasculature 310 that has a structure similar to that of the device fortreatment of a patient's vasculature 290 shown in FIGS. 50-50B. Thedevice 310 of FIGS. 51-51B includes a self-expanding resilient permeablestructure 312 having a proximal end 314, a distal end 316, and alongitudinal axis 318. The permeable structure 312 may have a radiallyconstrained elongated state configured for delivery within amicrocatheter. In an expanded relaxed state the permeable structure 312may have a globular and longitudinally shortened configuration relativeto the radially constrained state and extends along the longitudinalaxis 318 between the proximal end 314 and distal end 316. The permeablestructure 312 may further include a plurality of elongate resilientfilaments 14 secured relative to each other at either or both theproximal end 314 and distal end 316 of the structure 312. The filaments14 form the resilient permeable shell 312 defining a cavity or interiorvolume 320 and at least one first inner structure 322 disposable withinthe cavity of the shell.

The resilient filaments 14 forming the outer shell 312 and at least onefirst inner structure 322 may be contiguous with one another as shown inFIG. 51A. The first inner structure 322 is disposed within the interiorvolume 320 of the outer permeable shell 312 and conforms substantiallyto the contour of the outer permeable shell 312. The device fortreatment of a patient's vasculature 310 also includes a second innerstructure 324 disposed within an interior volume 326 of the first innerstructure 322. The second inner structure 324 is disposed at or biasedtowards the proximal end 328 of the interior volume 326 of the firstinner structure 322 so as to dispose the woven mesh structure of thesecond inner structure 324 towards the proximal end 314 of the device310.

In some cases, the inner structure 322 passes through a cylindricalmember or hub 330 that is attached to the proximal end 314 of the shell312 as shown in FIGS. 51 and 51A. The shell 312 and inner structure 302are formed from a contiguous flexible elongate member, such as a tubularbraid, that is inverted at one or more ends. A distal hub or marker 332may be placed on the portion of the filaments 14 where they cometogether just below the inverted portion of the shell 312 within theshell cavity 320. Both the shell 312 and inner structure 302 as well asother components of device 310 may have the same or similar features,dimensions or materials as those of device 10 or any other suitabledevice or component thereof discussed herein, including embodiments 251,266, 280, 290, 336, 360, 370, 376 and 390. In particular, the mesh orwoven structure of the shell 312 and inner structure 302 may have thesame or similar filament configuration, pore size, radial stiffness,collapsed profile etc. as device 10 discussed above as well as the otherembodiments. Device 310 may also be manufactured or deployed by the sameor similar methods as those discussed above with respect to themanufacture and deployment of device 10 as well as the deploymentmethods discussed below.

Some embodiments of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature336 include one cylindrical mesh or braid 337 that is inverted at leastonce to form a plurality of concentric radial layers or lobes 338, asshown in FIG. 52. As shown, the inversion(s) and lobes 338 may bedisposed at or biased towards a proximal end 340 of the device along alongitudinal axis 339 of the device 336. The device as a whole may havea generally globular “mushroom-shaped” configuration with a domed distalend and a substantially straight or flat proximal end surface formed bythe proximal extremities of the lobes. For some embodiments, the axialor longitudinal length of the device 336 may be smaller than atransverse dimension of the device overall, but at least about one halfthe transverse dimension. Thus, multiple radial layers may be achievedwith a single contiguous structure. In some embodiments, the innerstructure may comprise a plurality of inner structures formed integrallywith one another. In some embodiments, the number of inversions or lobes338 may range from about 1 to about 5. One embodiment, as shown in FIGS.52A and 52B, has three inversions with three distinct lobes 338. Thelobes include an outer lobe 346, a middle lobe 348 and an inner lobe350. The proximal ends of each of the lobes 346, 348 and 350 aresubstantially aligned with the proximal end 340 of the device 336. Thelobes 338 formed by the inversions may be configured in a telescopingmanner nested inside one another such that the lobe 338 with a smallerdiameter is disposable within a cavity formed by the lobe 338 of thenext highest diameter, as shown in FIG. 52A. The mesh 337 terminates ata distal end 342 of the device 336 at a distal hub 344 which constrainsthe filaments 14 of the mesh 337. The mesh 337 terminates at theproximal end 340 of the device at a proximal hub 352. For someembodiments, the outer lobe 346 may have an outer transverse dimensionof about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

Now referring to FIG. 52C the braid of the device 336 is partiallyelongated under low axial tension as indicated by arrow 354 to show aplurality of lobes 346, 348 and 350. As shown, three lobes 346, 348 and350 nest within each other in order to form the multiple radial layersor lobes in the relaxed state as shown in FIG. 52. The multipleconcentric radial layers may be particularly beneficial to slow bloodflow in side-wall aneurysms. Blood that circulates in the aneurysm 160must flow through multiple layers of mesh 337 to complete one circularflow path. Baffling of the circular flow provides flow disruptionleading to rapid hemostasis and thrombosis. As shown, the telescopingconfiguration of device 336 of FIG. 52 includes outer (e.g., shell) lobe346, inner or middle lobe 348, and most inner layers or lobes 350. Theelongation or expansion may be contained until the device 336 is reducedsufficiently in transverse dimension so as to fit within an inner lumenof a microcatheter 61 as shown in FIG. 52D. Delivery from such amicrocatheter 61 may be carried out as discussed above with respect todevice 10.

The shell of device 336 as well as other components may have the same orsimilar features, dimensions or materials as those of device 10 or anyother suitable device or component thereof discussed herein, includingembodiments 251, 266, 280, 290, 310, 360, 370, 376 and 390. Inparticular, the mesh or woven structure of the shell 252 and innerstructure 254 may have the same or similar filament configuration, poresize, radial stiffness, collapsed profile etc. as device 10 discussedabove as well as the other embodiments. Device 336 may also bemanufactured or deployed by the same or similar methods as thosediscussed above with respect to the manufacture and deployment of device10 as well as the deployment methods discussed below.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the inner or invertedstructure(s) may provide a high surface area internal flow baffle. Insome embodiments, the total surface area of the inner or invertedstructure(s) may be greater than about 100 mm². In some embodiments, thetotal surface area of the inner or inverted structure(s) may be betweenabout 100 mm² and 500 mm² for each centimeter of the device's largestdimension. For example, with a 1.5 cm (diameter or length) device, thesurface area of the inner or inverted structure(s) may be between about150 mm² and 750 mm². Conversely, with a 0.5 cm (diameter or length)device, the surface area of the inner or inverted structure(s) may bebetween about 50 mm² and 250 mm².

In any of the embodiments described herein, the inner or invertedstructure(s) or shells may be disposed substantially or completelywithin the lower or proximal portion of the shell of the device 360. Insome embodiments, the height of the inner or inverted structure(s), asindicated by arrow 362 in FIG. 53, may be less than about 30% of theshell overall height of the device 360, as indicated by arrow 364. Insome embodiments, an internal gap between a top or distal end of theinner structure and the inner surface at the distal end of the outerstructure, as indicated by arrow 365 in FIG. 55, may be between about0.2 mm and about 2.5 mm. The internal gap may be less than about 35% ofthe total height along a longitudinal axis of the device. In some cases,the internal gap may be between about 8% and about 35% of the totallongitudinal height of the device measured along the longitudinal axisof the device. The structure, features, dimensions and materials ofdevice 360 of FIG. 53 may otherwise be similar to or the same as thoseof device 290 of FIG. 50.

In any of the embodiments described herein, including embodiments 251,266, 280, 290, 310, 336, 360, 370, 376 and 390, the proximal surface orend 294 of the device 370 may be concave, convex, or conical as shown inFIG. 54. Regarding the conical shape of proximal surface of the distalend 294 for the device 370 may provide a more natural diversion orbranching of flow particularly for terminal aneurysms. In someembodiments, the inner structure 302, in an expanded state, may form aconcave or convex outer surface relative to the shell 292. The conicalstructure in particular may act as a flow diverting structure extendingaway from an aneurysm 160 being treated and towards the native vesseladjacent the aneurysm 160. The structure, features, dimensions andmaterials of the device 370 of FIG. 54 may otherwise be the same as orsimilar to those of the device 290 of FIG. 50.

Referring to FIG. 55, some embodiments of devices for treatment of apatient's vasculature 376 may include a distal end 378 of an innerstructure 380 may terminate with a connection or hub 382 as shown inFIG. 55. Thus, the inner structure 380 may define a closed volume thatis connected to the shell 384 near the proximal inner surface of theshell. With an internal termination of the inner structure 380, thepotential problem of length matching and buckling between the outershell 384 and the inner structure 380 may be minimized due to theability of the inner layer or structure 380 to collapse withoutaffecting, or minimally affecting, the collapse or radial compression ofthe outer layer or shell 384. The internal gap 365 between the innerstructure and the outer shell along a longitudinal axis of the devicemay include the ratios and distances as discussed above. In particular,as discussed above, an internal gap between a top or distal end of theinner structure and the inner surface at the distal end of the outerstructure, as indicated by arrow 365 in FIG. 55, may be between about0.2 mm and about 2.5 mm. The internal gap may be less than about 35% ofthe total height along a longitudinal axis of the device for someembodiments. In some cases, the internal gap may be between about 8% andabout 35% of the total longitudinal height of the device measured alongthe longitudinal axis of the device.

In some embodiments, the collapsed length of the inner structure 380 maybe less than about 80% of the collapsed length of the outer structure384. In some embodiments, the collapsed length of the inner structure380 may be less than about 90% of the collapsed length of the outerstructure 384. In some embodiments, the inner structure 380 forms aseparate lobe from the shell 384. The device embodiment 376 alsoincludes a distal hub 386 for the constraint of the distal ends of thefilaments 14 of the shell 384 and a proximal hub 388 to secure or anchorthe proximal ends of the filaments 14 of the outer shell 384 and thefilaments 14 of the inner structure 380. The overall structure of theinner structure 380 and outer shell 384 of the device of FIG. 55 maygenerally include any suitable material, dimension or feature of anyother embodiment of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculaturediscussed herein. This includes the sizes, spacing and materials of thefilaments 14 of the inner structure and shell as well as the size andconfiguration of the shell 384 and inner structure 380.

Both the shell 384 and inner structure 380 as well as other componentsof device 376 may have the same or similar features, dimensions ormaterials as those of device 10 or any other suitable device orcomponent thereof discussed herein, including embodiments 251, 266, 280,290, 310, 336, 360, 370 and 390. In particular, the mesh or wovenstructure of the shell 384 and inner structure 380 may have the same orsimilar filament configuration, pore size, radial stiffness, collapsedprofile etc. as device 10 discussed above as well as the otherembodiments. Device 376 may also be manufactured or deployed by the sameor similar methods as those discussed above with respect to themanufacture and deployment of device 10 as well as the deploymentmethods discussed below.

The device for treatment of a patient's vasculature 390 shown in FIG. 56may include the same or similar features, dimensions and materials asthose of the device embodiment shown in FIG. 55. In the embodiment ofFIG. 56, the outer structure 384 may have a truncated sphere orgenerally heart-like contour in cross-sectional shape. The proximalportion or end 392 of the device 390 may be generally convex orsemi-circular. These features may allow the device 390 to be placed intoa saccular vascular site such as a cerebral aneurysm 160 at an angledorientation relative to an axis 394 of the aneurysm 160 as shown in FIG.57. The semi-circular proximal surface 392 presents a relativelyconstant shape to the parent vessel irrespective of the angulation ofthe device axis 396.

In some embodiments, the inner structure 380 may be formed such that atleast about 80% of the volume of the inner structure 380 is containedwithin the lower or more proximal half of the outer structure 384 orshell volume. For some embodiments, the mesh density of the innerstructure 380 may be higher than a density of the mesh structure of theouter shell or structure 384. In some embodiments, the inner structure380 may be substantially or entirely within the proximal or lower 80%398 of the outer shell volume as defined by the boundary shown by thedashed line 400 in FIG. 58.

The inner structure 380 occupying the lower portion 398 of the outershell 384 may provide rapid progression of thrombosis particularly inthe distal portion 402 of an aneurysm 160. In some embodiments, thisconfiguration may provide protection of the distal “dome” portion of ananeurysm 160 where it is generally thought to be the weakest and mostprone to rupture. Thus, embodiments with proximal inner structures 380may provide a method of rapidly occluding a distal portion 402 of ananeurysm 160 that is visible under angiography. An embodiment of thisprocess is illustrated in the angiographic images, shown in FIGS. 59Aand 59B of a model aneurysm 160 created in an animal for purpose ofevaluating a device embodiment. FIG. 59A is the pre-treatment angiogramof an aneurysm 160 created in an animal model prior to treatment with anembodiment of a device for treatment of a patient's vasculature havingsome similarity in structure to the device embodiment shown in FIG. 55.FIG. 59B is representative of an angiogram ten (10) minutes posttreatment with the device for treatment of a patient's vasculatureshowing rapid occlusion of the distal portion 402 of the aneurysm 160.FIG. 59C is a representation of the boundary of the blood flow withinthe aneurysm 160 and the patient's vasculature near the aneurysm 160shown in FIG. 59A. FIG. 59D is a representation of the boundary of theblood flow within the aneurysm 160 and the patient's vasculature nearthe aneurysm 160 shown in FIG. 59B ten (10) minutes post-treatment witha dashed line 404 indicating the boundary of the aneurysm 160 prior totreatment. The space between the solid line of the boundary of the bloodflow and the dashed line 404 indicating the boundary prior to treatmentas shown in FIG. 59D represents a volume of thrombosis or other form ofrestricted blood flow in the volume that isolates the dome of theaneurysm 160.

For some embodiments, the inner structure of any suitable deviceembodiment discussed herein may be formed by braiding, weaving, or otherfilament interlacing techniques described herein similar to that usedfor formation of the shell or those techniques known in the art ofmedical textiles and intravascular implants. Alternatively, it may bemerely twisted or allowed to form a random mesh of filaments. It may beheat set as described herein and similar to that used to form the shellor it may not be heat treated beyond any heat setting done when thefilaments are formed. The inner structure filaments may be metals,polymers or composites thereof. In some embodiments, the filaments areformed of materials that can withstand heat treatment of at least about450° C. In some embodiments, some of the filaments may be formed of anaramide fiber such as poly paraphenylene terephthalamide available underthe trade name Kevlar. In some embodiments, the inner structurefilamentary members may be wires with a diameter between about 10microns (0.0004 inches) and about 30 microns (0.0012 inches). In somecases, the inner structure may comprise materials, coatings or beimpregnated with particles or molecules that release elements orchemicals that promote thrombosis and thrombus formation.

As discussed above with regard to the deployment method embodiment shownin FIGS. 23-26, once a properly sized device for treatment of apatient's vasculature 10 has been selected, the delivery and deploymentprocess may take place. During deployment, the tip of a microcatheter 61may be advanced into or adjacent the vascular site or defect 160. Thedevice for treatment of a patient's vasculature 10 may be insertedthrough the microcatheter 61 such that the catheter lumen restrainsradial expansion of the device during delivery. Once the distal tip ordeployment port of the delivery system is positioned in a desirablelocation adjacent or within a vascular defect 160, the device 10 may bedeployed out the distal end of the catheter thus allowing the device tobegin to radially expand as shown in FIG. 25. As the device emerges fromthe distal end of the delivery system, the device 10 expands radiallyoutward to an expanded state within an interior volume the vasculardefect. Upon deployment, the device 10 may also be at least partiallyconstrained by an interior surface of the vascular defect 160 dependingon the sizing of the device relative to the size of the interior surfaceof the vascular defect 160. Upon full deployment, radial expansion ofthe device 10 may serve to exert an outward radial force of the outsidesurface of the device against the inside surface of the vascular defectto mechanically secure the device within the vascular defect. Deploymentof the device 10 may serve to partially isolate the vascular defect fromflow, pressure or both coming from the patient's vasculature adjacentthe vascular defect.

For some deployment method embodiments, a catheter deflecting device maybe placed in the parent artery distal to the vascular site (e.g.aneurysm) 160 to be occluded prior to delivery of the occlusive implantor device for treatment of a patient's vasculature. Such methodembodiments may be used for deployment of any of the suitable deviceembodiments for treatment of a patient's vasculature discussed above.The deflecting device may include an inflatable or expandable element.In some cases, the expandable element may include an inflatable balloonsuch as the type of inflatable balloon often used for percutaneousangioplasty procedures, but smaller in dimension for use in the cerebralvasculature. As shown in FIG. 60, the deflecting device 410 (e.g.balloon) may include a proximal end 420 and a distal end 422. In use,the balloon 410 may be positioned such that the proximal end 420 of theballoon 410 is disposed distal to an aneurysm neck 412 in the parentartery 414. In addition, the proximal end 416 of the deflecting device410 is adjacent to the neck 412. The deflecting device 410 may beinserted prior to or after an implant delivery microcatheter 61 isadvanced into the aneurysm 160. If placed prior to advancement of themicrocatheter 61, the deflecting device 410 may serve as a deflectingmember to redirect the microcatheter 61 from the trajectory of theparent artery 414 into the aneurysm 160. The deflecting member 410 maythus be used to facilitate access of the microcatheter 61 into ananeurysm 160.

After insertion of the microcatheter 61 into the target site or aneurysm160, the deflecting device 410 may facilitate keeping the distal tip 418of the microcatheter 61 in the desired vascular site location within theaneurysm 160. When any implant or device for treatment of a patient'svasculature is advanced through the microcatheter 61, it is not uncommonfor the tip 418 of the microcatheter 61 to “kick back” as the implantenters the aneurysm 160. The kick back force is due to the generallyequal and opposite reaction force that is translated into the system asan implant or device for treatment of a patient's vasculature asdiscussed herein encounters axial resistance due to contact with thevessel wall, clot 191 or previously implanted or deployed device. Suchkick back is indicated by arrow 424 in FIG. 61. This response to implantinsertion into a vascular site may also result in the catheterstraightening out into the parent vessel as indicated by arrow 426 shownin FIG. 61 particularly when the catheter is bent to gain access into avascular site such as a side-wall aneurysm. As a result of the kick backand catheter straightening, the operator may lose tip position of themicrocatheter 61 or access to the aneurysm 160. When deploying apermeable shell implant, which may be stiffer in its collapsed statethan other implants such as coils, the risk of kick back and/ormicrocatheter straightening may be higher. A deflecting device 410 maybuttress the lateral deflection of the implant delivery microcatheter61, as shown in FIG. 62, thus substantially preventing kick back andloss of access to the aneurysm interior volume.

In some embodiments, a permeable shell 430 of a device embodiment fortreatment of a patient's vasculature 432 may be constructed with one ormore large pores to accommodate insertion of a microcatheter 61 throughthe one or more large pores. Such a large pore permeable shell 430 mayreceive a microcatheter 61 for deployment of one or more devicesincluding expandable permeable shells into an interior volume 434 of thelarge pore device 432. Accordingly, a method for utilizing such a largepore shell 430 may include inserting a microcatheter 61 through a poreof the permeable shell 430 of the device for treatment of a patient'svasculature as shown in FIG. 63. Once the microcatheter 61 is insertedinto the interior volume 434 of the deployed device 432 within theaneurysm 160 being treated, a second permeable shell implant device 436may be delivered through an interior lumen of the microcatheter 61 intothe interior space 434 within the large pore shell 430 as shown in FIG.64.

The large pore shell 430 may have between about 36 and 100 wires thathave a diameter between about 0.0015 and 0.004 inches. By filling avascular site 160 (e.g. aneurysm) sequentially with a plurality ofsecondary permeable shells 436 with at least one be substantially withinan interior volume 434 of the outer large pore shell 430, largeraneurysms 160 may be treatable. Such large aneurysms may thus betreatable with any single woven wire device by deploying multiple unitsof the device 432 concentrically in series. A single woven wire device432 may also inherently get larger in collapsed profile if the porosityand radial compliance are kept constant. Thus, to treat larger aneurysms160 or other vascular sites with a single woven wire permeable shell430, a large delivery catheter may be required. This may be adisadvantage in many cases as larger catheters are more difficult tonavigate and can block too much flow in small blood vessels. Sequentialtreatment with a large pore shell 430 and then subsequent filling of aportion of the inner volume 434 of the large pore shell 430 with one ormore permeable shells 436 may allow large aneurysms greater than about15 mm in diameter to be treated with a microcatheter 61 that has a lumenthat is less than about 0.040 inches in diameter. Coils or other embolicmaterials may optionally be used to replace or augment the filling ofthe large pore permeable shell 430.

In some method embodiments, a temporary flow blockage device 440 such asan inflatable balloon or other radially expandable intravascular devicemay be inserted after implantation of a permeable shell 442 tofacilitate the occlusion of the vascular site 160 in which the shell 442has been placed. For example, if a permeable shell 442 has beenimplanted into a vascular aneurysm 160, by placing a flow blockagedevice 440 over the aneurysm ostium 412 (i.e. neck) flow into theaneurysm 160 is substantially stopped temporarily. This process mayallow the progression of thrombosis within an interior volume of theaneurysm 160 to a point where it continues even after removal of theflow blockage device 440. That is, the flow blockage device 440 may slowthe flow within the vascular site 160 and permeable shell 442 to belowthe thrombotic threshold velocity. As shown in FIG. 65, a balloon 440may be used to block flow into an aneurysm 160 where a permeable shell442 has been placed. Balloons are routinely used in the vascular systemto temporarily block blood flow. This may be advantageous inparticularly high flow situations such as terminal bifurcation aneurysms160 and in large aneurysms where only a lower density device can beplaced due to limitations of the device that can be delivered throughsuitable microcatheters 61. The flow blockage device 440 may blocksubstantially all or only a portion of blood flow into the vascular site160 for a period between about 1 and 10 minutes. In some methodembodiments, the flow blockage device 440 may be used for less thanabout 5 minutes. In an alternative embodiment, the flow blockage device440 is a radially expandable device that temporarily blocks at least aportion of the flow into the aneurysm 160. An exemplary flow blockagedevice 440 is described by Guterman et al. in U.S. Patent PublicationNo. 2005/0119684, filed Jul. 14, 2003, titled “Aneurysm ButtressArrangement”, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.With this method embodiment, the flow blockage device 440 may bepositioned in the parent artery 414 prior to delivery of a permeableshell device 440.

With regard to the above detailed description, like reference numeralsused therein refer to like elements that may have the same or similardimensions, materials and configurations. While particular forms ofembodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be apparentthat various modifications can be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is not intended that theinvention be limited by the forgoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for implantation within a vasculardefect or aneurysm, comprising: a self-expending resilient first layerincluding: a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, aplurality of elongate filaments disposed in woven structure between theproximal end and distal end, the first layer being movable to acollapsed state configured for delivery within a microcatheter with theelongate filaments extending longitudinally from the proximal end to thedistal end, the first layer being movable to an expanded state with alongitudinally shortened configuration relative to the collapsed state,first layer being formed as a continuous closed volume in the expandedstate, the continuous closed volume formed by the elongate filamentsdefining a surface having a number of undulations.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the undulations of the elongate filaments form at leasta first radial groove or depression adjacent a circumference of thefirst layer.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the undulations providemultiple porous layers through which blood must pass.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the undulations establish baffling in a region of ananeurysm when the device is disposed in the aneurysm to promoteembolization.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first layer forms anundulating shape that alternates between surfaces defining thecontinuous closed volume in the expanded state.
 6. The device of claim1, wherein in the expanded state the first layer has a three-dimensionalshape with a continuous outer surface such that edges of at least twoportions of the first layer overlap each other.
 7. An assemblycomprising: a porous body including: a proximal end, a distal end, aplurality of elongate filaments disposed between the proximal end anddistal end, the body being movable to a collapsed state configured fordelivery within a microcatheter with the elongate filaments extendinglongitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end, the body beingmovable to an expanded state with a longitudinally shortenedconfiguration relative to the collapsed state, the body being formed asa closed volume in the expanded state, wherein in the expanded state thebody has a three-dimensional shape with a continuous outer surface suchthat edges of at least two portions of the body overlap each other. 8.The assembly of claim 7, wherein the continuous outer surface is formedwith undulations.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the undulationsform at least a first radial groove or depression adjacent acircumference of the body.
 10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein theundulations provide multiple porous layer's through which blood mustpass.
 11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the undulations establishbaffling in a region of an aneurysm when the body is disposed in theaneurysm to promote embolization.
 12. The assembly of claim 7, whereinthe body forms an undulating shape that alternates between surfacesdefining the closed volume in the expanded state.
 13. An apparatuscomprising: a body including; a proximal end, a distal end, a pluralityof elongate filaments disposed between the proximal end and distal end,the body being movable to a collapsed state configured for deliverywithin a delivery device with the elongate filaments extending from theproximal end to the distal end, the body being movable to an expandedstate with a longitudinally shortened configuration relative to thecollapsed state, the body being formed as a closed volume in theexpanded state, wherein in the expanded state the body has athree-dimensional shape with a continuous outer surface such that edgesof at least two portions of the body overlap each other, the continuousouter surface having plural undulations.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the undulations form at least a first radial groove ordepression adjacent a circumference of the body.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the undulations provide multiple porous layers throughwhich blood must pass.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein theundulations establish baffling in a region of an aneurysm when the bodyis disposed in the aneurysm to promote embolization.
 17. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the body forms an undulating shape that alternatesbetween surfaces defining the continuous closed volume in the expandedstate.